View Full Version : LHR 27x this morning & winds due East
teleport
30th May 2007, 14:11
Was surprised to see planes approaching 27x this morning when the wind direction was reported due East:confused:
Final 3 Greens
30th May 2007, 16:40
Teleport
Aircraft have limitations on their performance, including a tolerance for downwind landings.
If the wind is a reasonable strength (i.e. within the limits for the type of traffic), there is no reason why LHR should not land and take off with a tailwind, of r a range of operational reasons.
I've done it myself, in a light aircraft, to avoid overflying a noise sensitive area.
All done within the limitations of the aircraft and with a view to risk management.
Thunderbug
30th May 2007, 17:12
Difficult calls over runway selection this morning.
The wind on the ground was out of the south-east, but was strong out of the south-west just 700' off the deck.
Did two arrivals into LHR this AM. The first one was on 27R with 120/8, but headwinds higher up. The second one was 150/15 on 09L in +RA, but it was 240/35 at 1200'. I'm not sure which one was more comfortable. :bored:
As I was driving home they had switched back again to westerly.
T'bug :ok:
Gonzo
30th May 2007, 18:05
teleport,
If it's dry, we stay on westerly ops up to a 5 kt headwind and with up to 12kt crosswind.
teleport
30th May 2007, 19:03
Gonzo, Thunderbug & Final 3 Greens.
Thanks!
TightSlot
30th May 2007, 21:56
PPRuNe at its' best!!!
TopBunk
31st May 2007, 05:39
If it's dry, we stay on westerly ops up to a 5 kt headwind and with up to 12kt crosswind.
.... or even tailwind:)
Gonzo
31st May 2007, 06:28
Well done TopBunk, you spotted the deliberate mistake!!!! :D
:O
teleport
31st May 2007, 19:20
TightSlot: totally agree, so sorry for the potential of upsetting the bliss. :}
I also noticed that London City had planes approaching from the west that very morning.
If the 2 airports are likely to experience the same weather given the close proximity, why the different approaches?
Gonzo
31st May 2007, 20:00
I'd imagine (though not sure right this second), that City prefer not to operate with a tailwind...given their longitudinally challenged runway.
City had at least one missed approach yesterday due to the basically southerly wind shifting a bit and putting someone just outside their SOPs, eventually he came back from the other direction.