Thu, Mar 11, 2010
FAA OK's Higher Weight Limits
Four months after getting approval from the Scottsdale City
Council, the FAA agreed on February 4th to allow some of the
largest business jets to take on enough fuel at Scottsdale to fly
nonstop to Europe or Asia ... but so far none has.
The FAA increased the maximum takeoff weight for airplanes at
Scottsdale Airport (KSDL) from 75,000 to 100,000 pounds. Business
and other aviation interests said the previous limit stifled
international air travel.
According to the Arizona Republic, Acting Aviation Director Gary
Mascaro said the only condition placed on the change was that
pilots had to ask permission for a 100,000 pound gross weight
takeoff as little as five minutes before departure. They are
required to tell airport operations the name of the corporation
operating the aircraft, its tail number, and the estimated
departure time.
Airport engineers were also required to prove to the FAA that
the airport's only runway was capable of handling the increased
weights for two more years, Mascaro said.
While no aircraft has taken advantage of the 100,000 weight
limit, it hasn't gone unnoticed. The managers of some of the
airport's FBOs said they have received inquiries about the change
from companies that would plan to use it in the future.
Some residents are still opposed to the change. A neighborhood
association raised questions about noise, safety, and the
possibility of scheduled air service at KSDL. Resident Bob Popow
told the paper he believes the city gave business a priority over
people living in neighborhoods around the airport.
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