How does the space shuttle landing affect ATC in FL?
August 21, 2007 9:37 AM Subscribe
How does the space shuttle landing affect air traffic control around Florida?
Checking the projected track of Endeavour's approach shows a lot of the approach cutting right up Florida. I know that for most of the run, it's way above the height of overflying commercial traffic, but it does eventually make its way down.
Is there an "alley" of restricted space that controllers just keep traffic away from the shuttle's track, or does the shuttle not even reach a low enough altitude to be a problem until it's in some restricted airspace (or something else)?
Checking the projected track of Endeavour's approach shows a lot of the approach cutting right up Florida. I know that for most of the run, it's way above the height of overflying commercial traffic, but it does eventually make its way down.
Is there an "alley" of restricted space that controllers just keep traffic away from the shuttle's track, or does the shuttle not even reach a low enough altitude to be a problem until it's in some restricted airspace (or something else)?
I would also assume that the FAA puts out a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) in advance to the landing.
posted by C17H19NO3 at 10:50 AM on August 21, 2007
posted by C17H19NO3 at 10:50 AM on August 21, 2007
This page has some info on altitude vs. distance, to give you a general sense:
59 miles from the runway, it's at 83,000 feet.
25 miles from the runway, it's at 49,000 feet.
8 miles from the runway, it's at 10,000 feet.
posted by smackfu at 11:00 AM on August 21, 2007
59 miles from the runway, it's at 83,000 feet.
25 miles from the runway, it's at 49,000 feet.
8 miles from the runway, it's at 10,000 feet.
posted by smackfu at 11:00 AM on August 21, 2007
smackfu's reply should give you a hint that this thing is more a brick with a firecracker strapped to it than an orbiter. it more dives than glides to the ground.
the restrictions are pretty much the same as those over downtown LA when the dodgers play. no dice within a couple miles but that doesn't mean you can't get close enough for some spectacular shots.
posted by krautland at 3:02 PM on August 21, 2007
the restrictions are pretty much the same as those over downtown LA when the dodgers play. no dice within a couple miles but that doesn't mean you can't get close enough for some spectacular shots.
posted by krautland at 3:02 PM on August 21, 2007
The restricted airspace 'cardboard' posted is used for both the shuttle landing and takeoffs... it's only in place temporarily and mostly affects non-commercial flights...
Commercial flights going Miami to New York or vice versa go over water east of the restricted airspace anyways and those over land go towards the middle of Florida...
I am actually an Assistant Air Traffic Controller, and the area I work in coincidentally is the area over the shuttle landing site... when the restricted airspace is in place it takes a big chunk out of the usable airspace in my area...
Unfortunately my day off was today, and I wasn't able to see the shuttle on the radar scope...
posted by MrBCID at 8:59 PM on August 21, 2007 [1 favorite]
Commercial flights going Miami to New York or vice versa go over water east of the restricted airspace anyways and those over land go towards the middle of Florida...
I am actually an Assistant Air Traffic Controller, and the area I work in coincidentally is the area over the shuttle landing site... when the restricted airspace is in place it takes a big chunk out of the usable airspace in my area...
Unfortunately my day off was today, and I wasn't able to see the shuttle on the radar scope...
posted by MrBCID at 8:59 PM on August 21, 2007 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by cardboard at 9:44 AM on August 21, 2007