Airport Closed due to Snow?

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networkn

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#87300 25-Jul-2011 11:34

Hi There!

Why would airlines not be able to take off and land in snowy conditions in Christchurch? We went to Japan last year and landed in a snow storm perfectly fine. Is it a case of different equipment on those planes?

sleemanj

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#497543 25-Jul-2011 11:53

I expect a lack of aircraft de-icing equipment is the main issue, but visibility may be below minimums.

Much like how the city comes to a virtual halt while other cities live with massive amounts of snow on a semi-permanant basis, it's just what you are used to and prepared for.

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tdgeek

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#497555 25-Jul-2011 12:21

Japan has regular snowfalls, they have the equipment, we don't. A snowfall that requires equipment like that occurs here every 10 years, in fact while we get snow every winter, the last fall like this was in circa 1991

floydbloke

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#497584 25-Jul-2011 13:14

Living in London back in the early 90’s, I recall hearing on the radio assurance from British Rail that there should be no delays caused by snow this winter because they had procured the latest equipment to clear the tracks.

Winter came, with snow, and sure enough so did the train delays. BR’s excuse: “it was the wrong kind of snow”

Sometimes I use big words I don't always fully understand in an effort to make myself sound more photosynthesis.

networkn

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#497585 25-Jul-2011 13:15

lol wrong kind of snow. Nice one.

hairy1

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#497598 25-Jul-2011 13:42

A lack of certified runway surface friction reports and lack of anti-ice fluid for aircraft (as opposed to de-ice fluid) means that operations in snow come to a halt in these conditions..... Hold over times (the time the aircraft remains free of ice or snow) after the aircraft has been deiced are short in New Zealand due to the type of fluid used.

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networkn

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#497601 25-Jul-2011 13:46

Hi There!

Well at least I understand now.