Mumbai: In a controversial move that could cripple helicopter operations at Juhu airport, the Airports Authority of India plans to shorten the length of the airport's secondary runway by more than half.
The plan was announced by AAI officials in a safety assessment meeting in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss plans for a helipad at Juhu. But AAI officials came up with a new plan instead. "They want to reduce the length of the secondary runway from 2,400 ft to 984 ft and create parking space for aircraft," said Capt Andrew Manchanda of Pawan Hans. "On a short runway, helicopters will not be able to lift off with maximum payload," he added. They would need to carry fewer passengers and fuel, a non-viable option for commercial oil rig operations to Bombay High. Chopper industry insiders alleged that the move would help builders who were illegally granted height increase permission by AAI for buildings near the Juhu airport.
17/09/13 Times of India
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The plan was announced by AAI officials in a safety assessment meeting in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss plans for a helipad at Juhu. But AAI officials came up with a new plan instead. "They want to reduce the length of the secondary runway from 2,400 ft to 984 ft and create parking space for aircraft," said Capt Andrew Manchanda of Pawan Hans. "On a short runway, helicopters will not be able to lift off with maximum payload," he added. They would need to carry fewer passengers and fuel, a non-viable option for commercial oil rig operations to Bombay High. Chopper industry insiders alleged that the move would help builders who were illegally granted height increase permission by AAI for buildings near the Juhu airport.
17/09/13 Times of India
