Using Rwy 22L at JFK

As predicted, because of the closure of Rwy 31L/13R, JFK has been using Rwy 22L/4R excessively. We here on this site have no problem with that, but think of those living in Franklin Square and other places under the flight path all day long. They must be thrilled with all the noise. In my youth, during the Concorde and 747 days, I perched on the hill every weekend by Rwy 22L adjoining Rockaway Blvd despite the mosquitoes and other creatures there. It was my finest time. Sadly, the hill has been leveled since then. The Concorde arrivals were unforgettable.

True, 22L/4R has been used much more often than before, but I think times have changed in terms of the type of traffic we see nowadays compared to 5-10 years ago. Gone are the Concorde, 737-200s, DC-10 and 747-200s..etc, but in are the quieter heavies, 777-300s, A380, 737-800s...

I think small/gradual change to the traffic helps our hobby, imagine if the same traffic comes and goes for the past 10-20 years using the same runway, not much entertaining eh? :D

My buddy is repaving the runway...

I was watching the repaving of Rwy 31L/13R a few weeks ago. They are working endlessly. Maybe they'll finish ahead of schedule. I forgot when they also closed Rwy 22L/4R several years ago for re-paving and widening. How long did that job last? Of course this job entails a much longer runway.

Yea listening to the tower over hear at work the past few weeks i'd say about 90% of all arrivals are 22L with 22L taking 100% of arrivals after the peak arrival slot ends and 22R taking 80-90% of all departures for a full day. I figured 13L would accumulate alot more then normal but big suprise I was wrong. :lol: Maby it will see that flux after bay runway reopens to its partial status.

They have no choice since Rwy 31R/13L intersects with Rwy 22R/4L. They could use Rwy 31R for departures if they use the section just west of that intersection but the length might be too short for heavies to depart. They could be more considerate and avoid using VOR/DME 22L for arrivals during the middle of the night. They could arrive on Rwy 31R or even 4R if the winds are not gusty.

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Originally Posted by Speedbird1

They have no choice since Rwy 31R/13L intersects with Rwy 22R/4L. They could use Rwy 31R for departures if they use the section just west of that intersection but the length might be too short for heavies to depart. They could be more considerate and avoid using VOR/DME 22L for arrivals during the middle of the night. They could arrive on Rwy 31R or even 4R if the winds are not gusty.

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13L as well. I've been on that approach before. Its mostly over the water. They do have a choice. Cut the length of 22R. They have done it before they can do it again. 22R/4L is their biggest runway untill bay runway reopens. Heavies cab depart 31R. Qantas does it all the time and i've seen a few 777's take off on it. The A380 has no shot but the rest can go no problems.

Even before the closure of Rwy 31L/13R, I've often seen Jet Blues depart from 31R/13L as a matter of fact. I was not aware that they could depart Rwy 22R using the shorter length just south of its intersection with Rwy 31R/13L.

Almost every morning between the hours of 0800-1000 they use both 31 R and 22R for departures. For 31R they use the full length of the runway and for the 22 R departures they depart from the intersection of 22 R with "YA" taxi-way. 'YA' taxiway was constructed last year just west and parallel to 31R from taxiway Bravo. During this time they have allowed heavies to depart the full length of 22R , crossing over the arrivals on 31 R. The departures are based on their departure routes(Robbinsville,Wavey etc) This 2 rwy departures actually works better for the airport as there is usually only a max of 20-25 min taxi to take off during the morning crunch.