Real World Aviation Question

[ivo]

Do flight ever take off in the midle of the night, or is the airport closed?
Would it be possible to takeoff at something like 2a.m.?

On one flight from Sofia to Milan, my plane took of at 7:15 and it looked like the airport was closed before that. No planes were taking off
or landing.

[Ryanamur]

Yes, some flights can take off in the middle of the night. There is only one main factor that would preclude this: Noise Abattement
procedures that restrict take offs and landings between certain hours.

Even if the tower is closed, the airfield normally remains available but it's obviously uncontrolled.

Phil

[SaVas]

What is cool if you want, is there are various websites with real time ATC. Ive listened to the chatter at Stevens Anchorage in Alaska on my
PC, and even at 5am my time (2am in AK) there is A LOT going on since Anchorage is a big freight flight hub

[SWAFO]

I've heard of these websites as well. Never could find 'em though!

[SaVas]

http://www.liveatc.net/

[SWAFO]

Neat! I'll check it out!

[psolk]

Great site, I almost always have it playing in the background on my second computer. Makes FS seem that much more real...
-Paul

BTW, it is coomon for Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv to do a lot of "off hours takeoffs and departures. I think it really depends on the time zone of the airport and the airlines schedules...
-Paul



Post Edited ( 12-29-05 18:23 )

[SaVas]

One thing Ive noticed listening to it is there ae quite a few female pilots. Glad to see its more open for capable pilots of any sex.

Secondly man pilots and ATC speak fast

[Ryanamur]

Actually, there is a second reason for an airport to be closed at night:

No lights or lights that cannot be triggered on via comm clicks!

[Medic_Pilot]

Terrain is another reason you will find an airport closed or under limited operation at night. Aspen comes to mind. There are many
instrument approaches out west here that are not approved if it is night time simply because of the difficult terrain nearby.

Greg

[AKLupine]

We don't talk so fast, you're just used to listening slowly

[Ryanamur]

AKLupine wrote:
We don't talk so fast, you're just used to listening slowly

Good one. Mind you, you have to admit that to the untrained ear, ATC instructions (especially IFR clearances) can be
overwhelming!

[FSfreak]

another good site (if you want to listen to what goes on in an emergency), go to http://www.airdisaster.com and click on ATC conversations (i
believe its called)