V-Flyer

Any insiders know of any expected disruption tomorrow? I am due to fly on the VS17 tomorrow evening.

Announcement on BAA Website

Aircraft are now allowed to depart but not land on the accident runway, 27L, but not full-length (from the threshold), which is where the crashed 777 is still sitting.

Aircraft can now make intersection departures from S4/N4, with 2407m take-off distance available.

This is good for all but the heaviest flights, these will be slotted in between the arrivals on 27R on request.

The real problem is if we switch to Easterlies before the wreckage is cleared, as that will likely reduce the airport to single runway ops again.

Mike

Given the level of damage I cannot see it being cleared for a few days as the AAIB will be crawling all over it prior to removal to a hanger for reconstruction.

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Given the level of damage I cannot see it being cleared for a few days as the AAIB will be crawling all over it prior to removal to a hanger for reconstruction.

The current restriction on 27L being for intersection takeoffs only is NOTAMed until 1600 tomorrow, but that's probably just a 'review point'. There will be probably be another NOTAM released with a much longer effectiveness before then.

There's probably damage to landing light arrays, etc., in the undershoot, as well as the 777 fuselage to think about.

At least some common sense has prevailed to allow the use of 27L for departures, just from further up the runway.

Mike

How would the passengers feel when you see a crashed airliner sitting there as you are coming in to land or take off?

Originally posted by sky0000547
How would the passengers feel when you see a crashed airliner sitting there as you are coming in to land or take off?

It's a reminder of the risks you take every day in life, whether it be getting out of bed, boiling a kettle, crossing the road, or taking a plane.

'Hiding' the crash site is just being in denial about these risks.

Our risk-averse society seems to be intent on wrapping us up in cotton wool, pointing fingers, apportioning and then subsequently trying to shift blame.

It's inevitable we'll get a reality check once in a while.

Ask yourself how those passengers would feel if their flights were cancelled or massively delayed because Heathrow was restricted to single-runway ops.

Opening 27L to departures from an intersection was the prudent thing to do. Nice to see someone has some common sense.

Mike