Last usage of runway 23 at LHR
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 141
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From: Dubai
I was Checker for the last runway inspection of 05 ( when it was used) with 09R for departures.
It went something like this
The inspection would start off on 118.7 at the threshold of 23 ( always towards landing aircraft) at Block 78 ( as was then) it was
ATC "cHecker vacate and hold short of 09R and contact 118.5"
Checker "Tower Checker holding short 09R Block 85 and short of 05."
ATC "Checker after the departing Lufty B737 on 09r and landing sabena B737 on 05 your cleared to cross 09R at block 85."
Checker above repeated.
Checker " Checker has entered 05 and crossing 09R block 85"
Checker " Checkers vacated block 85"
ATC " Roger Checker call 118.7
Checker " Tower Checkers back with you Block 90 on 05"
ATC " Thanks Checker continue "
The inspection was then completed in the normal on/off way.
This was the only time that conflicting runways were used on different ATC frequencies as when 23 was used for landing 27R was used for departures not 27L ( 27R was used for heavies that couldnt take the 1999m runway.
exciting times especially when 118.5 the departure controller gave the following instructions at the threshold.
" speedbird 999 once you see the landing aircraft on approach to 05 in your 2 o clock position start rolling and your cleared for take off !
bet that wouldnt happen now in the age of heath and safety gurus,
It went something like this
The inspection would start off on 118.7 at the threshold of 23 ( always towards landing aircraft) at Block 78 ( as was then) it was
ATC "cHecker vacate and hold short of 09R and contact 118.5"
Checker "Tower Checker holding short 09R Block 85 and short of 05."
ATC "Checker after the departing Lufty B737 on 09r and landing sabena B737 on 05 your cleared to cross 09R at block 85."
Checker above repeated.
Checker " Checker has entered 05 and crossing 09R block 85"
Checker " Checkers vacated block 85"
ATC " Roger Checker call 118.7
Checker " Tower Checkers back with you Block 90 on 05"
ATC " Thanks Checker continue "
The inspection was then completed in the normal on/off way.
This was the only time that conflicting runways were used on different ATC frequencies as when 23 was used for landing 27R was used for departures not 27L ( 27R was used for heavies that couldnt take the 1999m runway.
exciting times especially when 118.5 the departure controller gave the following instructions at the threshold.
" speedbird 999 once you see the landing aircraft on approach to 05 in your 2 o clock position start rolling and your cleared for take off !
bet that wouldnt happen now in the age of heath and safety gurus,
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,266
Likes: 1
From: Berkshire, UK
Oh yes... It's a long way from 09R threshold to where the runways cross and clearing one for take-off with one on final was standard procedure. I did that with a BOAC chap one day and he said: "I'd prefer to wait until the lander has passed". I replied: "That's not the one I'm worried about; it's the one 3 miles behind him!". BOAC went.....
Joined: Oct 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 8,203
Likes: 347
From: London UK
Back in the 1950s there were a number of Dragon Rapide (8 passenger) operators, including one, Island Air Services, which did large numbers of sightseeing circuits from alongside the spectators enclosure. One of their aircraft was lost when it got into the wake turbulence of an arriving Straocruiser when trailing it on approach.
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
From: EGTT/FAB/LGW/BOH/FAB/LGW
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Dubai
Jan left a couple of years ago. took the money and run ..... Im jealous ! along with a few others so all new faces and voices now with no where near as much experience.
I have my own thoughts but hey what do i know !! only 20 years in Ops !!
I have my own thoughts but hey what do i know !! only 20 years in Ops !!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: England
Eric Raffles to and from Manch. seem to recall he made raincoats as sported by the then PM Harold Wilson!
You can thank him for changing phraseology. "Behind the departing xxx line up 28R" well he did and was blown over.
Thereafter it was "After the departing"
You can thank him for changing phraseology. "Behind the departing xxx line up 28R" well he did and was blown over.
Thereafter it was "After the departing"
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: London Area
If my memory serves me correctly the chap in question arrived after the move to TC had taken place, so that was after '93.
Joined: Apr 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 57
From: Surrey, UK ;
It was a Beech 95 Travelair .. G-ASZC. I recall the callsign as "Raffles Zulu Charlie".
And I thought for the last 45 years (incorrectly I've just found) that it was Edgar.
Remember walking along the River Crane near the "pundit" on the south side and seeing C-46s parked.
And I thought for the last 45 years (incorrectly I've just found) that it was Edgar.
Remember walking along the River Crane near the "pundit" on the south side and seeing C-46s parked.
Joined: Oct 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 8,203
Likes: 347
From: London UK
