Source - Vi.potsdam.ny.us - Potsdam

Potsdam Municipal Airport - Master Plan – Phase 1 Report
4.02-3 Runway Length Analysis
Runway length requirements are dependent upon the performance characteristics of
the critical aircraft that the runway is intended to serve. The weight of the aircraft, the
thrust developed by its engines, field elevation, temperature, non-stop flight distance,
and the amount of fuel needed for the flight interrelate to determine the length of
runway required for takeoff and landing with a desired payload (passengers plus
cargo).
A review of the runway length requirements from the manufacturer for the current
future critical aircraft, the Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante, indicates a takeoff
distance of 4,265 feet for a fully-loaded aircraft and a landing distance of 3,773 feet.
Runway 6-24 is 3,705 feet long and is not adequate for operations by the Bandeirante
if it is fully loaded.
Conversations with UPS and their contractor, AirNow, determined that there is a
significant issue with the short runway length at Potsdam. The pilot for AirNow
estimated that he has to divert to Massena approximately 20% of the time due to the
runway being too short to land under varying weather conditions. He stated that
takeoff is never an issue out of Potsdam because he is departing empty, but landing
fully loaded is the problem. The Bandeirante almost always goes into Potsdam fully
loaded; UPS stated that they actually end up having to send more packages via truck
to Potsdam because they cannot exceed the MTOW requirements of the Bandeirante.
Runway takeoff length was examined by using three methods: FAA Advisory
Circular 150/5325-4B, Runway Length Requirements for Airport Design; the FAA
Microcomputer Design Program; and the manufacturer’s published data for the
Bandeirante. Based on the Airport’s elevation of 474 feet, a temperature of 75° F, and
a 3-foot difference in runway centerline elevation, the runway takeoff length
requirements and deficiencies for Potsdam Municipal Airport are shown in Table 4-5.
TABLE 4-5
RUNWAY TAKEOFF LENGTH REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY
Runway Length Requirements
Method Dry Runway Wet Runway Deficiencies
FAA Advisory Circular
3,975’ 3,975’ -270’
150/5325-4B
FAA Microcomputer Design 4,090’ 4,090’ -385’
Program
Embraer Bandeirante
4,265’ 4,265’ -560
Published Data*
*Note: Published data based on MTOW, sea level elevation, and standard atmospheric conditions
Source: FAA Advisory Circular 150/5325-4B and FAA Microcomputer Design Program, 2009
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