Gatwick 08L/26R activation time

[oceancrosser]

Hi, any LGW controllers here that can advise what is the required activation time for the northern runway in case the main runway becomes unusable. I would appreciate any available references.

[spekesoftly]

My time as a LGW controller was back in the early 1980s, but until a current one replies see UK AIP AD 2.EGKK-16

When Runway 08L/26R is being brought into planned use the aerodrome will be closed for a period of up to 15 minutes to allow the necessary safeguarding procedures to be implemented. The same will apply when Runway 08R/26L is brought back into use. In an emergency situation, implementation of the change to Runway 08L/26R can be expected to take substantially longer.

[Del Prado]

In an emergency situation, implementation of the change to Runway 08L/26R can be expected to take substantially longer.

Thats the important bit.

Depends on how much notice there is. How many aircraft need to be removed from infringing stands, whether closure can begin with the main runway (RETs blocked) before it’s closed. And lots more.

Too many variables to give a precise estimate but 45-60 minutes or more is entirely reasonable.

[DaveReidUK]

Thats the important bit.
Depends on how much notice there is. How many aircraft need to be removed from infringing stands, whether closure can be begun with the main runway (RETs blocked) before it’s closed. And lots more.

Too many variables to give a precise estimate but 45-60 minutes or more is entirely reasonable.
That would also imply that even planning for the non-emergency use of the runway has to start well in advance, so the 15 minutes quoted in the AIP for the pause in movements is just the final stage in that process.

[oceancrosser]

Thanks @speakesoftly. I concur with @Del Prado and DR UK that it would definitely be more than 15 min until the flow restarted.

[zonoma]

Oceancrosser, the question you would need to ask to get a better idea is what does Gatwick Airport need to do when switching to the northern runway in an emergency situation. It's been far too long since I was there to answer, but closing RETs and various other stuff was major, and you then need to consider the influence from what shut the southern runway in the first place. If planned, 15-ish minutes, if not, don't wait around......

[LHR86]

it’s around 10 mins.
active runway not to be closed until at least 5 mins after the last departure from that runway.

Then it’s the engineering switch of lighting and checks. Safeguarding and barriers are all done prior to a planned transition into the northern runway.