four engine jock
22nd Feb 2010, 08:56
THE South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has issued a formal notice in terms of large aircraft (over 5 700kg in mass) operated by commercial airlines and their ability to land at George airport when the runways is wet, Airlink advised on February 18.
The effect of this notice is that when the runway is wet as a consequence of rain, commercial airlines will not be allowed to land at George and the airport will be closed until the runway dries out. Consequently airlines en-route to George will have no other option but to divert to an alternate or return to their point of original departure.
Airlink advises all travel agents and passengers of this limitation, which could impact passenger itineraries. The SACAA has advised that this is a temporary restriction that will remain in effect until such time that, after further testing or remedial work, the airport is again declared safe for wet operations.
Should passengers on Airlink flights to George experience a diversion because of a wet runway, Airlink will provide assistance in re-accommodating the passenger on the next available flight. Airlink will not assume responsibility for land arrangements.
The Western Cape is currently experiencing its worst drought in 132 years and therefore the probability of rain and associated flight diversions remains low in the short term, however the winter rains usually start from around early April. Therefore the programme for testing is urgent, and any work to the runway that is required by ACSA and its contractors must be completed by the time the winter rains commence.
The effect of this notice is that when the runway is wet as a consequence of rain, commercial airlines will not be allowed to land at George and the airport will be closed until the runway dries out. Consequently airlines en-route to George will have no other option but to divert to an alternate or return to their point of original departure.
Airlink advises all travel agents and passengers of this limitation, which could impact passenger itineraries. The SACAA has advised that this is a temporary restriction that will remain in effect until such time that, after further testing or remedial work, the airport is again declared safe for wet operations.
Should passengers on Airlink flights to George experience a diversion because of a wet runway, Airlink will provide assistance in re-accommodating the passenger on the next available flight. Airlink will not assume responsibility for land arrangements.
The Western Cape is currently experiencing its worst drought in 132 years and therefore the probability of rain and associated flight diversions remains low in the short term, however the winter rains usually start from around early April. Therefore the programme for testing is urgent, and any work to the runway that is required by ACSA and its contractors must be completed by the time the winter rains commence.