Infrastructure, Construction & Developments

[Ray Finkle]

I think, but am happy to be corrected, it's a concrete base with an asphalt surface.

In other news I've heard a whisper that now Flybe maintenance has moved to MAEL hangars 1 and 2 will be demolished early next year. I do hope it's true, it'll make the car park a fantastic place to view/photograph.

 

[Hassaan]

A thought, when is the runway extension actually poised to be completed?

 

[Ray Finkle]

Spring 2014, it should be around April but I don't think they will commit to a date until nearer the time after the bad weather last winter put back the A45 works.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Runway extension update taken from long stay 1. Please excuse the poor quality I was shooting through a fence with the sun directly in front.

The first section already down with the parallel taxiway now started. I can see this becoming a popular spot to view especially in the morning when the sun is behind.



Looking towards the A45 with the new approach lights and ILS. The mounds of earth towards the left were a solid slab of earth just over 20ft high not long back so it's been shifted very quickly.



The runway in the distance with the new parallel taxiway taking shape in the foreground.



Looking towards the threshold of the current runway.

 

[Hassaan]

Looks like the runway is getting on nicely. I suppose we're like a 1/4 of the way there.

 

[Aviador]

Looks like you're going to have some good views of aircraft from down there.

 

[Ray Finkle]

It'll be a great spot for early morning photographs as the sun rises behind you, after middayish it'll be shining straight at you, still a nice spot to view though.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Are there any recent Ariel photographs of the runway extension for November. Thanks andyc

 

[Ray Finkle]

I've not seen one yet, it'll probably be while yet as it seems to be just earth moving at the moment.

 

[Aviador]

I've also been searching on-line to try and find one but without any luck. I thought there might be a YouTube from a cockpit showing the runway extension but again no luck as yet.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there aviador, regarding the extension of the new runway, according to what volkerfitzpatrick originally anticipated was that by mid december this month, the construction of the runway extension would be finished, and the starting of the tarmacing of the whole runway would start. Would you say that from what you have seen so far from the construction, that this is will happen, or do you think it will be into the new year before tarmacing commences.....thanks andyc

 

[Ray Finkle]

Update from the end of November.



With the diverted A45 now fully open, work on the runway extension itself is now progressing rapidly. This involves the construction of the additional 400 metres of runway that will enable aircraft to fly direct to China and the Far East, or to the west coast of the US, followed by the resurfacing of the full length of the runway.

The extended runway is expected to become fully operational in April next year and during this phase those living in communities close to the Airport may notice a number of changes to the usual pattern of operations.

Most noticeable will be the fact that the runway will be closed to all arriving and departing traffic during the night period. These night closures began on Tuesday 5th November and will continue until 5th April 2013. They cover Monday to Friday nights only and are effective from 23:00 through to 06:00. Operations on Saturday and Sunday evenings will continue throughout the period. These closures have been planned for some time and airlines have already organised their schedules to accommodate them.

With the night time runway closures, there is likely to be an increase in plant and vehicle movements on the airfield at night. Although some noise from work of this nature is inevitable, we will endeavour to keep any disturbance to an absolute minimum.

Finally, during the coming months, communities to the north of the airport may notice changes in the final approach path of some aircraft landing at Birmingham. This is due to the replacement of the Runway 15 Instrument Landing System, or ILS, which is a radio system that guides aircraft accurately on the the runway using a defined extended centreline and glideslope. When the ILS is out of service, some aircraft are able to continue to fly along the usual centreline using an APV/Baro apporach (which we reported on back in our April edition). However, other aircraft will be required to undertake alternative approach methods, such as the Non-Directional Beacon, or NDB, approach. Although it is safe and reliable, an NDB apporach is less precise. The beacon is offset from the ILS approach by approximately five degrees and gives guidance to the pilot until such time as visual contact with the runway is established. The point at which this happens will vary according to weather conditions at the time. As a result, some aircraft on approach may be seen by residents who do not usually observe them, particularly in areas to the east of the normal centreline.

This is a temporary arrangement while the ILS is replaced, but we do apologise for any disturbance caused. Anyone wishing to find out more can visit our website or contact the Environment Team. You can find details of how to contact us in the ‘Get in Touch’ section of this newsletter.

http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/m...%20Update.ashx

 

[Ray Finkle]

Taxiway Bravo is currently closed for resurfacing so if anyone wants photo's from either Sheldon Country Park or Marston Green railway station bridge now is the time as all aircraft are rolling to the end to vacate the runway.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Since the A45 has been completed at end of September this year, and now they started the runway extension, to date how much ray of the new runway in metres would you say that they have already built and concreted ready for tarmacing to date 16/12/2013.......andyc.c

 

[Ray Finkle]

I've not been down there for a while so I don't know if anymore concrete has been poured but going from just the above photo I'd say about a quarter of it was done, so approx. 100m? Purely a guess though.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Aerial update from 5th December.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there ray is there anything more recent than the 5th December at all because thats two weeks ago, as they do work five nights per week all day as well and all day Saturday too. So I would have thought that they would have progressed further than where they are now if the runway is due to be finished and open for business by April 2014......thanks ray for the photo you have submitted. ....Andy c.

 

[Aviador]

Have you seen how long builders take for Christmas holiday shut-down. :whiteflag:

 

[Ray Finkle]

That's the most recent picture I could find.

I'm hoping as we've had a mild winter so far they're slightly ahead of schedule, who knows what Jan andFeb might bring.

 

[Ray Finkle]

A video update taken from the new bridal way, I can see this spot becoming popular when the full length opens.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AndFkwoJpMg[/video]