What determines runway of choice on takeoff?

Question

Friend and I disagree, He maintains they choose it depending on wind direction. I thought it was in rotation for consideration to local residents (esp in London)

My thoughts being modern airliners with engine redundancy hardly need a headwind to get off the ground (but I may be way wrong on this!)

We were talking about Heathrow in particular but I guess it applies elsewhere.

If you have a qualification to back up your reply (pilot, ATC guys etc) let us know!

Answer 1

Ideally, wind direction determines the choice of runway. A headwind on takeoff is safer because we uses less runway for takeoff. Same is true for landing. However at many airports, Heathrow being one, some headwind sacrifices are often made for noise abatement. Aspen airport, which serves the ski resort in Colorado, is a land to the south takeoff to the north always airport regardless of the wind direction not only because of noise but also the surrounding terrain. We must accept a tailwind on takeoff every time. On occasion, the tailwind is stronger than our acceptable maximum of ten knots. In such a case, we park it until it subsides. So I suppose in a way you are both right so just send me the beer you bet each other.

Answer 2

The runway in use "is" based on wind direction.

Even the large aircraft need a headwind for both takeoff & landing.

But you can takeoff or land in a tailwind, it just takes more runway length and higher ground speed and is not as safe.

Nobody would ever sacrifice safety for local residents.

Also, runways are built based on the most common wind directions. If the winds vary too much, they may build a cross runway.

But this does not mean that in certain cituations, a paticular procedure may be required.

Regan National Airport (4 miles from downtown) has two runways that lead to the White house. They take off into the wind regardless. It's just they have to turn away before a certain point or they are shot down by the local sam site missle.

Answer 3

It is determined by wind direction and also helps with collision avoidance. While it is true that in many cases large airplanes wouldn't need a head wind, it certainly helps in a lot of areas, such as takeoff distance. Also, you land with a headwind and all aircafts are put into a pattern to fly into airports. So, with every aircraft taking off and landing in one direction, it significantly reduces the likelihood of a collision.

Answer 4

Several factors.

You want the aircraft headed, as closely as possible, into the relevant wind to help it produce lift as early as possible.

Large airports, such as Heathrow, typically have enough spread to prevent clearing objects from being a problem, so the airplanes will land and take off into the wind.

Downwind take offs, while possible, aren't the staple of aviation. I can't think of anytime I've seen a jet take off downwind unless the winds shifted before ATIS had a chance to correct the recorded outgoing message.

Downwind takeoffs are limited to, usually, small aircraft with obstructions at one end of the field. I've flown into fields where your approached from one end and departed the same end, and let me hasten to assure you they weren't fun to get into or out of.

And my idiot friend tried building his own runway. He had to start his take off roll, use the ground effect to clear a fence, set down and build more speed to climb out over the power lines. His approach, depending on the winds, had him dropping under or just clearing the power lines, so he could carry enough speed to hop the fence and still get stopped before he ran into the house.

So, in commercial aviation, 99 times out of 100, the take off direction is selected for the pilot, by ATC, to put the aircraft taking off into the wind. The same applies to any controlled airport, and the few times that you're at an uncontrolled airport where there isn't a procedure mandating a single approach and departure, downwind takeoffs and downwind landings are reserved for light aircraft or emergencies.

And in the event of my idiot buddy, he bought a plane he couldn't land at home and his wife kept the home in the divorce. He sticks to publicated airports these days.

Answer 5

Wind, runway slope, ice location on the runway, noise sensitivity, direction of flight, and taxi distance to the runway,

The wind is the primary consideration. It very much affects the takeoff roll distance, and the aborted takeoff rollout distance, and the climb angle.

Answer 6

It is wind direction. But if there is a lighter wind, they try and use the best runway for noise abatement. Usually only up to a 5 knot tailwind. And crosswind up to what the pilot feels comfortable, or aircraft capabilities.

Answer 7

First consideration is wind direction. There are some airports that because of obstructions, like a tall mountain, in which you land facing the mountain and take off away from the mountain, regardless of wind.

Answer 8

It depends on wind direction. If the runway is 27 and the wind is blowing 240 degrees you would take off runway 27 because that runway's magnetic heading is 270.
I'm a student pilot.

Answer 9

1) Wind
2) Length
3) Obstructions

Answer 10

Noise is a big factor.
Here's the site for Logan in Boston. Go down to additional remarks, you will see some things which involve noise abatement.
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