Supposedly these mines being serviced by the ice road are billion dollar operations. What prevents them from building some airstrips up there and flying supplies in? Seems like it'd be easier and a hell of a lot more convenient so there must be a good reason.
2007-08-19 08:42:28 · 4 answers · asked by manitoadlet 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
First many of the loads will not fit in a airplane and other loads are simply to heavy.
Finally there is the question of economics. It is simply cheaper to haul these loads by rail or truck to Yellowknife and then truck them over the ice road.
Most of the loads scheduled for the ice road are planned for a year or more in advance. I am sure there are some supplies that are flown in from time to time but only if the economics justify the flights.
2007-08-19 12:21:10 · answer #1 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Delivery by air is very, very expensive.. The costs basically go by the weight. Delivering heavy equipment by air is the last resort. Anything else, including building an ice road, is far more efficient... and not as dependent on the weather.
2007-08-19 13:16:30 · answer #2 · answered by squeezie_1999 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch the weather - imagine landing in that.
Airlifting is really expensive.
So air lift would be more dangerous & more expensive, and probably less reliable because of scheduling issues.
2007-08-19 09:37:55 · answer #3 · answered by Doug B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Availability of aircraft,fuel and qualified personnel. Too expensive to be considered for most loads.
2007-08-19 09:47:27 · answer #4 · answered by Johneye 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋