One of the runways at Las Vegas (LAS) is going to be closed awhile for resurfacing, and it may affect our operations there. Mark Monse, one of our Dispatchers, explains the circumstances:
LAS normally has the capacity to land as many as 60 aircraft per hour, but the closure of 07R/25L (one of their four runways) drops that 60 rate down to anywhere between 44 per hour and 28-32 per hour. The deciding factor is the surface winds and what combinations of the remaining three runways will be able to be used. If LAS is using the only runway config that allows that 44 perr hour rate, any delays should be pretty mininmal. If they're using the three runways configurations that have a 32 per hout rate or the single configuration that has a 28 per hour rate, delays (taken at the departure point, for example, XYZ-LAS) will ensue. Those delays could be 30/60/90/120 minutes (or more) all depending upon exactly when the winds dictate various runway configurations relative to the peaks and valleys of the traffic scheduled for LAS.
All of the above is predicated on good weather as far as the lack of low cloud ceilings, low visibilities, rainshowers, or thunderstorms, or combinations thereof. Should any of those occur, the arrival rates above could easily be even lower, and the resultant delays higher.
So, it's not the airlines' fault, nor Air Traffic Control's, since all ATC is doing is maintaining a balance between traffic demand and actual traffic capacity. A good thread on the subject is at airliners.net. (Link now works)
Hopefully, good weather will prevail and they'll get the project done well before the planned May 1,2009, completion date.
Comments
Link to airliners.net doesn't work....looks like the ... is messing it up :)
Greg,
I just saw that. It might be an outdated link. The correct link has been added.
Brian
hmmmh that reminds me of the old joke...
it's not the plane's fault, it's not the pilot's fault, it's not the airline's fault... it's the... asphalt
(sooooorry... I tried to resist but couldn't!)
:o|
Raphael
They need to resurface it, since you guys are so busy there! lol
Joseph R. Meyers
Dallas, Texas
i really like the joke! good one :)
Mark,
Pulled out my LAS airport diagram. Yikes, that will be an unusual landing direction in their preferred configuration! 25L has been the norm for years. Right in over the Hoover Dam. Hopefully they'll be able to stay with the optimal configuration most of the time. Remind the LAS controllers that we land here at MDW in something like 6000 feet; sometimes in the snow! All your former Navy aviators get to catch the cable again!
I fly in there regularly. Any tips as to preferred times based on airport volume? Many folks have some flex in the schedule and can avoid the very peak thereby increasing the chances of an "on time" arrival and departure. Of course things like Friday night into LAS and Sunday afternoon out are going to be trouble. Not anybody's fault; just reality. Let's hope they pour concrete fast.
your service in Las Vegas SUCKS and it seem like everytime I am here your flights are typiacally delayed.
Your SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS SUCKS
Southwest sucks in Las Vegas
After just over one week's worth of construction, so far it appears the more likely days for traffic-related congestion and ATC delays are Fridays and Sundays. The overall traffic count (of all aircraft) increases due to weekend trips to/from Las Vegas by non-airline aircraft, even though some of this traffic eschewing LAS in favor of airports in North Las Vegas and Henderson.
Yeah - got stuck in this mess on Sunday evening, Nov. 1st - two hour delay from Reno to San Jose, which is a 39 minute flight. Most annoying. I will pick my flights carefully until this Vegas thing is finished. Hope the blog or some press release will alert us passengers when the construction is finished.
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