Driving the Runway
 

The quoted paragraph is from an accident report that happened at Blackbushe almost 20 years ago. I was just curious if getting a drive along the runway is something that can be done at airports like this in the U.K.. I assume that Blackbushe has a reasonable amount of aircraft movements overall.

"During the car journey to the airfield the pilot commented to his colleague on the reducing visibility but did not appear concerned and did not reference it to his intended flight. They arrived at the airfield at approximately 1100 hrs and met with the four passengers. The pilot then went to the tower and asked the AFISO for permission to drive the length of Runway 26/08 to check the RVR for himself. Permission was granted and an airfield fire vehicle, equipped with a radio, was provided as an escort. During the inspection the runway edge lighting was turned up to maximum intensity. Following his inspection the pilot told his colleague that he was able to see four white runway centreline marks and was "comfortable with the visibility for a takeoff"."

You assume incorrectly for a VFR airfield on a foggy day!

Yes, it can. A colleague, CN B777, made such a request prior to departure from Boston to inspect the condition of the runway during a snowstorm prior to departure for a long-haul flight. There was no problem with this and he carried out his inspection shortly before departure.

While I did say 'reasonable amount of movements overall", as opposed to on a foggy day. I take note of what you are implying. I was just curious if this is something that anyone here has done at an airport in the UK like Blackbushe. Is it something that one can expect to be allowed to do at your typical overall busier general aviation airport.


Since the initial post, I have read further along in the report and it says this....

"Low Visibility Take-off (LVTO) A Take-off where the RVR is less than 400m NOTE: LOW VISIBILITY PROCEDURES FOR TAKE-OFF AT AERODROMES THAT ARE NOT APPROVED FOR CAT II & III OPERATIONS Until such time as the concept of Low Visibility Take-off procedures is established for aerodromes not authorised for Cat II or Cat III operations, the following temporary guidance is deemed to fulfil JAROPS1 requirements. An operator should make every reasonable effort to verify that Low Visibility Procedures for take-off are established at the aerodrome where Low Visibility Operations (operations in visibility of less than 400 metres) may take place. Until further notice it may be accepted that these procedures ensure that only one aircraft at a time is allowed on the manoeuvring area and that vehicle traffic on the manoeuvring area is controlled and restricted to the absolute minimum."