Well can any pilots here, offer an opinion as to whether this flight path map is generally correct or exaggerated?
At a quick count, I've done about 80 take-offs and landings at Whenuapai in the last year alone, so that probably entitles me to comment.
Here is a scan of the airfield layout (we did this for the Whenuapai history thread here a while ago, but its still relevant):
The main runway at Whenuapai is 03/21, and this is currently used by the 'heavies' that operate from WP at this time (Orions, 757, Hercules etc.) As the prevailing wind in this location is from the west, most landings are from the north-eastern approach on 21 and most takeoffs are also on 21 out towards the southwest.
Thus the North Shore area (where the activism originates) will usually only get the landing approach (quieter) and the Westies get the takeoff (noisier).
When the weather turns nasty, this is usually accompanied by a wind switch to an easterly, and at this time the North Shore folk will indeed be subject to the takeoff noise.
The current 08/26 runway is shorter (1581m as against 2031m for 03/21) and therefore although still fully functional is generally now only used by light aircraft (although the Hercules very occasionally practice STOL work onto it). The flightpath for using this runway is indeed north/south Riverhead/Birkenhead as shown on the Herald map.
However . . . it would seem to be very unlikely that civil airline operations would ever need to use this runway. Consider that Auckland International, only a few miles to the south, has a similar runway orientation ( 05/23 ) to WP's 03/21 and has operated for forty years without any need for a crosswind runway.
When light aircraft currently use this runway, they generally utilize a westerly circuit (right-hand for 08, left hand for 26) that takes them over the base area rather than the Greenhithe residential area.
There is also a 12/30 vector that was built as a runway, and is still paved with the original hexangonal concrete blocks. These have deteriorated, and rendered the vector unusable, and this now only exists as a taxiiway.
In summary I would say that the map, although technically correct in what
could happen, is an attempt to portray an unlikely worst-case scenario that would never eventuate in actual operations. There would be no need.
To deviate slightly from the topic, the three outcomes currently being discussed are:
- keep the airfield as it is now for some combination of civil/military use
- close the 03/21 runway, develop the southwestern area of the property for non-aviation use, maintain the 08/26 runway as a GA operation
- close the entire field and redevelop the entire site for non-aviation use.
I hope this provides some clarification.
By the way Joe, you are wrong. It's not the noise that causes the problem with the residents, it's the fact that the aircraft is
there.
North Shoreites, harden up and allow progress in your region! If you don't like aircraft noise, don't live next to an airfield. Simple.
