LGW runway shut...
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: UK
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Can someone explain why it takes an hour to switch to another runway that is just a few yards down the taxiway.
In addition, taxiway Juliet cannot be used simultaneously with northern runway operations, so all (11!) aircraft at the Juliet holds would need to be moved, probably onto the main runway, to completely clear the area.
ATC then also need to secure the protection areas for northern runway operations, and the runway needs to be inspected to confirm safe operations can commence, a process which in total takes around 15 minutes.
Combine this with a (possible) stranded aircraft on the main runway and an ongoing hydraulic spillage incident, then you can realsise that to have it all up and running again within an hour isn't actually as bad as it sounds.
If you're not familiar with the LGW taxiway layout this chart will help you understand that it was not likely to be a simple 'shuffle' of aircraft at the Juliet holds:
NATS/AIP Taxy Chart
The issue with Gatwick is it is a single runway airport with an emergency runway/taxiway.
A planned change from the normal runway to the emergency runway is expected to take about 15 minutes. An unplanned change can take far longer
I'd expect that the runway/taxiway needs to be inspected, approach aids turned on and checked (assuming it has them), taxi lighting patterns and stopbars changed. Clearances to aircraft reissued. Then you've got to get the aircraft in the hold on the ground. Possibly a lower number of movements on single runway operations as well due to a lack of rapid turn offs etc
A planned change from the normal runway to the emergency runway is expected to take about 15 minutes. An unplanned change can take far longer
I'd expect that the runway/taxiway needs to be inspected, approach aids turned on and checked (assuming it has them), taxi lighting patterns and stopbars changed. Clearances to aircraft reissued. Then you've got to get the aircraft in the hold on the ground. Possibly a lower number of movements on single runway operations as well due to a lack of rapid turn offs etc
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Major London Airport
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LGW Emergency Runway
In addition to the very stringent rules re aircraft on taxiway J (nothing can be on J whilst a/c with wingspan in excess of 30m is on 08L)). 08L is the worst possible scenario. Aircraft with fin of a certain size parked on the 140 stands and pier 1 have to be removed or positioned facing out - this takes quite a time.
The restrictions placed on ATC by the use of this runway have to be seen to be believed ! Let's hope back to the main as soon as possible.
The restrictions placed on ATC by the use of this runway have to be seen to be believed ! Let's hope back to the main as soon as possible.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: brighton east sussex
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Go-Around
Whilst sitting on the perimeter road this afternoon listening to my scanner,at approx 14:50 a virgin 747-400 was given a go-around.Runway 08L in use at the time.Just before hand a Ryanair 737-8 had landed and i think it took its time vacating.Interesting to watch and listen.
Switched to 126.825 when driving home and heard a number of aircraft getting concerened about fuel levels,not what Gatwick needed after the last few days!
Switched to 126.825 when driving home and heard a number of aircraft getting concerened about fuel levels,not what Gatwick needed after the last few days!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London (Babylon-on-Thames)
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How like BAA to build stands that infringe an active runway. Reminds of the 450s at Heathrow whci had to be emptied if the cross runway was to be used!
Join Date: Nov 2006
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nothing can be on J whilst a/c with wingspan in excess of 30m is on 08L
Arrivals or departures not allowed on the northern runway (08L or 26R) if an aircraft with wingspan greater than 30m is on taxiway Juliet.
737s upto 500 series and smaller (not A319s) can be on Juliet with anything landing/departing.
PPRuNe Secret Agent!
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Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: West Sussex, UK
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I was on 'J' for a while yesterday! The tower controller at the time did a great job in my opinion, it was fascinating to watch! Well done guys...
