Ask The Pilot

[LCC]

I think you mean taking off on 16L?

This is known as simultaneous opposite direction parallel runway operations (SODPROPS). It is a noise sharing mode when certain conditions allow it, such as light winds and good visibility. This will usually only happen during periods of low demand.

The way this works is that aircraft will arrive on 34L only and depart on 16L (unless 34L is operationally required).

It may create an issue if someone isn't following the localiser on 34L and then someone else isn't quite following the departure route off 16L, then a TCAS warning may go off. We will be told about any conflicting traffic before our take off or landing clearance and gives us time to keep an eye out for them.

Yes apologies, I was getting my L and Rs mixed up! Thankyou for the response @AviatorInsight. I did note that there were multiple take offs and landings on both runways. There seemed to be quite a few international departures at the time and they possibly requested 34L for takeoff.

 

[jb747]

I did note that there were multiple take offs and landings on both runways. There seemed to be quite a few international departures at the time and they possibly requested 34L for takeoff.

The magic word is "require", not request.

Opposite direction ops are pretty rare. The only other place I've ever seen it was LA, though I don't recall the conditions at the time. Not so much now, but when if first appeared, the TCAS used to become quite upset (and like a wife, you cannot ignore it).

 

[LCC]

The magic word is "require", not request.

Opposite direction ops are pretty rare. The only other place I've ever seen it was LA, though I don't recall the conditions at the time. Not so much now, but when if first appeared, the TCAS used to become quite upset (and like a wife, you cannot ignore it).

Well to my simple brain it seems like introducing an element of risk but I am sure it is being well managed. I mean, I was fazed when landing in DEN or LA (can't recall which) recently where they had the cross run way in operation with planes happily crossing over the main operational runways between takeoffs and landings but it seemed to all be working to plan.

 

[jb747]

Well to my simple brain it seems like introducing an element of risk but I am sure it is being well managed. I mean, I was fazed when landing in DEN or LA (can't recall which) recently where they had the cross run way in operation with planes happily crossing over the main operational runways between takeoffs and landings but it seemed to all be working to plan.

There are procedures that introduce risk, and opposite direction operations is certainly one of them. Invariably it’s for local noise reasons, not a valid aviation reason. Very much the same as pushing aircraft towards shorter runways, or downwind ops, for noise reasons. They (whomever they are) get away with it, and so it becomes a reasonable thing to do. Very much the frog in boiling water.