MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
St Helena airport certified and open, with challenges for larger planes in one runway
St Helena governor Lisa Phillips has rejected recent news in the British media referred to the BOT's airport alleged “indefinite postponement” condition, arguing the terminal has been certified and is open, as demonstrated by a recent medivac flight a week ago. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesWho was it, yesterday, that was so derogatory about St Helena Airport?
Jun 11th, 2016 - 12:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What was it I said? That it probably just needs a few tweaks. And now it turns out that London City Airport has the same wind shear problems. And the Airport IS in operation!
Yes, it is in operation BUT it can use Gatwick, Heathrow and Stanstead as a diversionary airfield. In addition, it is served by smaller short range aircraft with much lower landing speeds.
Jun 11th, 2016 - 12:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If an aircraft cannot land on St.Helena, then it's nearest diversion is to Windhoek in Namibia some 1600 miles away. So, it would have to carry enough fuel for a return trip of 3,200 miles plus 30 minutes flying time.
When did they start operating A380s into London City Airport? Pic #3
Jun 11th, 2016 - 08:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 01
Jun 11th, 2016 - 11:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0By in operation..you mean a plane flew out from it...“a recent medivac flight a week ago.”
...and that was an emergency...
...and it took off...not landed...
Has it returned...?
I'm not sure how they will tweak the wind...turn it down perhaps...?
Unless the aircraft was built on St.Helena, it must have landed before it could take off again.
Jun 12th, 2016 - 10:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0The aircraft used was a Falcon 20F-5BR with a range of 2,200 nm.(2532 statute miles) chartered from Guardian Air at Johannesburg.
Landing run 2670 feet in still air, take off 5085 feet.
I have watched the same aircraft operated by Cobhams during the series of Joint Warrior exercises when they operate out of Prestwick. They have never failed to get in and out of the airport even during gales and crosswinds that made them crab in.
However, the Falcon 20 is not the answer to regular airline services, although it must be comforting to the population to know that speedy medical emergency services are available.
In my opinion, apply for the next round of funding in a year or so, and build a second runway going inland at roughly a right angle along the high ground between the water courses, IF* there is enough length possible. (*If = hard to see from maps.)
Jun 13th, 2016 - 06:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0Someone on the ground has probably already thought of this idea, but moving serious amounts of rock costs development funding money.
You are still faced with 1000 foot cliffs on approach and the associated wind-shear problem if you choose this option. I don't think funding would be allocated for this.
Jun 13th, 2016 - 10:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0Carrick ? I live in Kyle which is just N. of this area in South Ayrshire.
#7. You'd never guess, not much of a pilot here...
Jun 13th, 2016 - 10:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0More experienced in a Ryanair slam down, in my opinion, at Prestwick, aka hard & fast economy landing. (which was a while back, probably improved by now.)
[About right]
#8
Jun 14th, 2016 - 09:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0It has improved, they seem to float in now and just bleed off speed without much use of reverse thrust. Their old 737's have gone and they have the newest 737-800's.
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