LTN closed for snow??
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The Ryanair flights both diverted into Luton from Stansted - one was ex Dublin, the other ex Pescara.
Whilst weather (cross-wind/snow) at STN may have been the problem, I think it is more likely that both flights were running late and fell foul of the runway work that it taking place at night at present. The work has lead to a couple of other STN flights diverting/operating to Luton over the past few nights, although I'm not sure if there is a total runway closure or reduced landing distance available.
[ 12 November 2001: Message edited by: OLNEY 1 BRAVO ]
Whilst weather (cross-wind/snow) at STN may have been the problem, I think it is more likely that both flights were running late and fell foul of the runway work that it taking place at night at present. The work has lead to a couple of other STN flights diverting/operating to Luton over the past few nights, although I'm not sure if there is a total runway closure or reduced landing distance available.
[ 12 November 2001: Message edited by: OLNEY 1 BRAVO ]
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BOEINGBOY1
I see your position now. You are a pilot who is embarrassed to fly from Luton because airport management were unable to clear snow last year. Well what do you expect from a Bank. I hear the money changing facilities were good though.
Any airport worth its salt (no pun) starts its snow planning 4-6 months before the season. The plan should be updated every year to take account of the lessons learnt from the last snowfall. Cleartly what can't be anticipated until the day is the type of snow (I sound like Brit Rail and leaves on the line). Snow planning on the day typically occurs with the forecast when the anti-icing measures are considered. Air temp vs Ground temp, humidity and dew point etc. If the icelert and open runway programmes indicate a trend then the runway is usually closed to anti-ice. The use of anti-icing fluid/crystals is designed to stop ice formation. Get the timing wrong and you make the situation worse. De-icing and snow clearance occurs once the snow is settling. The is no point in clearing snow when it is falling unless it is sticking.
The type of snow falling (and sticking) will dictate whether the aiport uses a plough -if there is a large accumulation, a snow biter -for drifts, or rotating brushes. If the snow is slushy brushes and ploughs tend to be either useless or just clog. The best bet would be a vehicle mounted de Havilland Goblin (showing my age now)or some such with a hot jet directed at the slush. There is however a tad of a problem with this approach - it can melt the runway.
I understand that last year the snow froze to the runway - big mistake. You have to work hard to clear in that case - usually manpower. I think the big issue was even when the surfaces were clear, the one ac de-icing truck was not available.
I expereinced the same at STN last year on an early morning dep. when we were told that we were number 12 for de-icing and it was going to take at least 15 minutes for each ac.
Let's hope it doesn't snow -oh dear tonight looks like more dodgy weather.
I see your position now. You are a pilot who is embarrassed to fly from Luton because airport management were unable to clear snow last year. Well what do you expect from a Bank. I hear the money changing facilities were good though.
Any airport worth its salt (no pun) starts its snow planning 4-6 months before the season. The plan should be updated every year to take account of the lessons learnt from the last snowfall. Cleartly what can't be anticipated until the day is the type of snow (I sound like Brit Rail and leaves on the line). Snow planning on the day typically occurs with the forecast when the anti-icing measures are considered. Air temp vs Ground temp, humidity and dew point etc. If the icelert and open runway programmes indicate a trend then the runway is usually closed to anti-ice. The use of anti-icing fluid/crystals is designed to stop ice formation. Get the timing wrong and you make the situation worse. De-icing and snow clearance occurs once the snow is settling. The is no point in clearing snow when it is falling unless it is sticking.
The type of snow falling (and sticking) will dictate whether the aiport uses a plough -if there is a large accumulation, a snow biter -for drifts, or rotating brushes. If the snow is slushy brushes and ploughs tend to be either useless or just clog. The best bet would be a vehicle mounted de Havilland Goblin (showing my age now)or some such with a hot jet directed at the slush. There is however a tad of a problem with this approach - it can melt the runway.
I understand that last year the snow froze to the runway - big mistake. You have to work hard to clear in that case - usually manpower. I think the big issue was even when the surfaces were clear, the one ac de-icing truck was not available.
I expereinced the same at STN last year on an early morning dep. when we were told that we were number 12 for de-icing and it was going to take at least 15 minutes for each ac.
Let's hope it doesn't snow -oh dear tonight looks like more dodgy weather.
