When do they close an airport due to fog?
Discussion
Sat in the office, which overlooks BHX. Normally a great view...can't see anything today though due to the fog!
A colleague is supposed to be flying out later. I know an aircraft can autoland in practically zero vis, but at what point do they close an airport? I was guessing it was when the tower can't see ground movements any more...anyone know for sure?
Ta!
A colleague is supposed to be flying out later. I know an aircraft can autoland in practically zero vis, but at what point do they close an airport? I was guessing it was when the tower can't see ground movements any more...anyone know for sure?
Ta!
There are specific mimimum limits that are set by both airports and airlines. These limits can vary from airport to airport and airline to airline.
There can be situations too where takeoffs are allowed but landings not. There will also be situations where some aircraft can fly and others cannot due to the varying capabilities of the aircraft and the rules set out by the airline operating them.
There can be situations too where takeoffs are allowed but landings not. There will also be situations where some aircraft can fly and others cannot due to the varying capabilities of the aircraft and the rules set out by the airline operating them.
To expand on Eric's accurate summary, I don't think you will have an airport close due fog. The closest you could get to so called "closure" would be to aircraft unable to autoland having what is called an "approach ban" mandated. EG my last aircraft type limited me to 550 meters horizontal viz. Seems like the viz outside your window is less. That would be an approach ban for that aircraft type.
Interestingly though, the tower cannot prevent you making an approach/landing if you were to try, you would however be reported to the "Authority"
Hope that helps.
Interestingly though, the tower cannot prevent you making an approach/landing if you were to try, you would however be reported to the "Authority"
Hope that helps.
Hi,
low visibility operations generally start when the visibility is 400 metres or less and/or the could base is below 200ft.
Our company limits for take off can be as low as 125 metres depending on the aircraft series, but certain criteria must be met. The worst part of low vis ops is taxying around an unfamiliar airfield. Some airports have a radar that allows them to see aircraft taxying.
Basically the airfield, aircraft and crew must be certified. Each airfield will have different limits which in turn will determine when they are closed.
low visibility operations generally start when the visibility is 400 metres or less and/or the could base is below 200ft.
Our company limits for take off can be as low as 125 metres depending on the aircraft series, but certain criteria must be met. The worst part of low vis ops is taxying around an unfamiliar airfield. Some airports have a radar that allows them to see aircraft taxying.
Basically the airfield, aircraft and crew must be certified. Each airfield will have different limits which in turn will determine when they are closed.
Edited by khaosai on Friday 19th November 13:58
john_p said:
mybrainhurts said:
Is it correct that Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield has to close in fog due to the absence of landing aids ?
Seems to have ILS and mentions "Low Visibility Operations" in the AIS so I doubt it?So no is the answer unless it's 'very foggy'
Edited by el stovey on Friday 19th November 15:47
Hard-Drive said:
Sat in the office, which overlooks BHX. Normally a great view...can't see anything today though due to the fog!
To take off at BHX you need 125 or 150 meters horizontal visibility depending on who you are flying with and how big the plane is.To land you need an absolute minimum of 200 meters visibility on both runways (if the aircraft is equipped with all the gear and everything is working at the airport etc).
So I expect they would only actually close it if the visibility was below those minima.
An interesting compilation video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfCayaMNqrA
Especially the third clip.
Especially the third clip.
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