What runways are operational in Shannon?

Funkstard

Looking through the DAA annual report and it states two runways; 06/24 and 13/11 - however that 13/31 is unoperational. Is/was that temporary, or is 06/24 the only runway used? I know that some of the rest of the network is used by industry on the site (Eirtech / Aer Lingus storing planes on the easternmost taxiway e.g.). Seems like alot of surface for only one runway!

beazee

06/24 - 10495 × 148 ft (3199 × 45 m) - paved

Looks like it's the only one operational

Funkstard

I had noticed that alright, just a bit mental for the airport to have so many obsolete stretches of taxi/runway! Does that mean planes can take off / land irregardless of the wind direction?

beazee

13/31 was/is only about half the size of 06/24

A little bit longer than Waterford or Galway, could it be any use you reckon?

*Kol*

The paving on 13/31 is in poor condition as the the in field taxi ways. Probably the reason these are not in use.

Su Campu

From the AIP:

RWY 13/31 is partly covered with asphalt and bitumen
macadam overlays. This runway is not in conformity with
ICAO recommendations regarding longitudinal slope changes
and smoothness of surface. RWY 13/31 is currently unavailable
for landings and take-offs pending pavement repair and
resurfacing.

Bearcat

it used to have an max Ldg weight of 20000kgs. it was handy when there were stonking cross winds on 24/06.

Dont think its avail anymore re conformality.

Funkstard

Interesting. Until it gets resurfaced it is not available for use, something which might not happen due to the diminished activity at the airport?

So, does having only one runway ever hinder the possibility of aircraft departing / landing due to wind?

Bearcat

i wouldnt say they will resurface it due to its short length which really is only avail to turbo props which are not the bread earners for the airport.

EchoIndia

Other than 06/24, the other/former runways date back to Shannon's early years. As stated, they have proven useful as parking/storage areas in conjunction with the various maintenance facilities and, given the airport's marginal economics, there probably isn't a lot of merit in building new consolidated ramp space. Given the low rate of movements and the prevailing winds, I don't think crosswinds hamper operations too much either.

At Dublin, certain of the DAA's long-term plans provide for the closure of runway 16/34, which would similarly leave DUB with only one runway orientation. That could be more problematic in certain wind conditions, given that it is a much busier airport than Shannon.

tippilot

Interesting thing that while the AIP says 13/31 is unavailable, the Jeppesson plates list RW13/31 as:

"Pavement does not conform with ICAO recommendations.Runway may be used for landing and take off at pilot's discretion with aircraft not exceeding AUW 25mt. Runway closed for landing at night and by day with visibility less than 2000m."

The runway is represented in bold on Jeppesson plates in the same way as an operational runway.

Air traffic control still use standard runway crossing clearances for aircraft. Aircraft also use standrad crossing procedures such as turning on strobes and checking approaces before crossing.

Very strange given the runway has been withdrawn in every other way for over a decade.

The kicker: check the NOTAM's for Shannon and there is no word about 13/31 being U/S.

That to me represents a threat to aircraft planning a flight-given they may have been planning a routing via SNN when 06/24 may be out of crosswind limits for them, expecting 13/31 to be available.

Kumsheen

*Kol* wrote: »

The paving on 13/31 is in poor condition as the the in field taxi ways. Probably the reason these are not in use.

It was in bits the last time i took off on it, and that was 22years ago.

MoeJay

Only ever used 13 on one day, the day the World Airways MD-11 went off the end of 24.

Rough as a badger's a**e. I don't think it'll ever be resurfaced....

highlydebased

There are X's painted on it. I remember it being operational when I was a child but I can't see the need for it any more.

Funkstard

Not sure if anyone knows anyone about this but....

As I mentioned, some of the older runways / taxi ways are being used by the aerospace companies to store some planes they are working on. Would this be an informal arrangement, or would they be 'leasing' (or whatever it would be) the space from the airport authorities?

A320

AFAIK The leasing companies who own the aircraft pay shannon aerospace/air atlanta and then in turn they pay the DAA,profitable for the MRO's involved