Displaced threshold Ops for runway maintenance AKL

[frozenpilot]

Hi All,

I am seeking advice about Runway shortening ( displaced threshold operations) to facilitate runway maintenance. I understand this has occurred at AKL and I note there were a couple of safety related events during the time.

I would appreciate any experiences of such large (temporary) displaced threshold operations, particularly during the work at Auckland

Threats?
Lighting differences?
Visual picture?

Any info or experience would be very welcome via response or PM.

Thanks

[AerocatS2A]

I don’t know about AKL, however they do it at Sydney frequently. Most nights, during curfew, one end or the other of 34L/16R will be closed for works with a displaced threshold. Instrument approach procedures are authorised to circling minima only and the PAPIs are displaced. The ILS glideslope is turned off.

The main threat, from my experience, is that the work lights can be much brighter than the runway lighting which can make it more difficult to find the PAPIs initially. The lights from 34R, if on, can also be more obvious than 34L and there is a risk of lining up on the wrong runway.

The main threat for departure is that you use the correct take off performance data.

We had a few cases of aircraft lining up on the wrong runway but nothing that turned into a serious incident.

[missy]

SYD TWR SOP state that the taxiway, runway, approach and PAPI on 16L/34R are to be switched off during the curfew (to save $$, reduce carbon footprint), the only exception would be that the lights would need to be ON during the runway inspection which occurs somewhere between 11pm and midnight.

[AerocatS2A]

That may be the case, however I have flown in there during curfew many times with 34R lights on.

[YPJT]

I understand this has occurred at AKL and I note there were a couple of safety related events during the time
any works at a major airport involving displaced threshold would be conducted under a comprehensive MOWP which all operators would have been consulted on prior to issue.
Can you elaborate on what specifically the safety issues were?

if work lights are distracting from seeing the PAPIs or other lights, the TWR should be told and the WSO made to rectify