LN Strike Eagle wrote:You do have to wonder about the viability of Duxford as a venue. I said after Shoreham that surely it couldn't continue, and I know that North Weald abandoned their plans to host a proper airshow again in the immediate aftermath because of the M11.
On the face of it, Cosford closed 18 roads I think it was, Shuttleworth have to close a country lane, and yet Duxford continues above a motorway. I don't see the logic.
Also, thinking back to last year, was it not said that the May show was poor on one day because a jam on the M11 meant they had to shift the display axis to keep the show going? There was a jam on the M11 on Friday afternoon, yet flying continued. The local roads weren't closed either. There's a big discrepancy there from the rule makers - practices and validations can go ahead with no restrictions, but show days need a clamp down.
I really don't know what the answer is here. The CAA's reaction has rather painted themselves and the industry into a corner and there's very little room for manoeuvre.
Exactly.
Obviously it is all a case of balancing risks and ultimately deciding what level of risk is acceptable. Many airfields / airports have a major road close to the runway threshold so clearly for normal operations that is considered acceptable. When a show is taking place or, to a lesser extent, air show practice there will be a far higher volume of aircraft crossing the road either to land or low and fast as part of their display. Plus, there is a higher chance of traffic hold ups or accidents on the road as a result of the distraction.
A partial answer is to move the display centre further from the road and shorten the runway as much as is safe by having a sterile area at the road end.
Although I am delighted if it helps Old Warden that they manage to get the road closed during displays I do wonder how well the locals will tolerate that nine times a year? I think it very unlikely that Duxford will get the M11 closed on six afternoons.