CLE runways and larger planes?
 

I am just wondering... I have heard that the runways at CLE are not long enough to support 76 or 77 traffic - but now have read (and even seen pictures) of these planes landing and taking off from CLE. And clearly AFOne lands there, as well as Saudi 747's to take people to the Cleveland Clinic.

So... are they long enough to support this traffic routinely? Or have these just been one-offs and the runways are just barely long enough for them?

Just wondering...

(See you all at the backed-up ORD PC this afternoon!) :cool:

CLE used to have daily D10 (UA), A300 (CO), and 767 (UA) traffic in the 80's and 90's - that was before the longest CLE runway even existed. I believe UA even operated regularly scheduled 747 service there during the 70's (though I could be wrong). So, yes, CLE could support daily heavy traffic.

As mentioned, the CLE runways can handle the widebody traffic (and do so everyday for FedEx & UPS), I doubt a fully loaded 747 bound for Asian would have much room for error. As that really wont happen any time soon, I think we have a better chance of seeing scheduled widebodies bound for Asia.

remember the Saudi 747 is a modified 747, it isn't as long as a normal 747 (I did see a NWA 333 divert to CLE a few weeks ago due to storms in DTW...was amazing to see that thing take off)

Was it a 747 SP?

Quite often yes, we get a 747SP from the Middle East as well as the one based at CAK that stops by here to clear customs.

I wish I had my own 747SP.

I was once on a HNL-EWR bound 764 which made a medical emergency stop in CLE.

Next time, if you have a choice, be born as a prince in an oil-rich country, like Saudi Arabia or Brunei.

Or if you want to do it in this life, try becoming a Christian Evangelist. Ernest Angley has one.

;)

If it is the other way around, i.e. EWR-HNL, then CLE probably doesn't have enough runway for a fully-laden 764 to get to take off for HNL.

Every couple of months or so we get the AMS-IAH 764 stopping by to empty the poopers.

I don't think you'll be seeing that anymore. CO seems to have a new policy in that regard. ;)