Runway length?

Question

Why does a runway have to longer for longer flights?

Answer 1

Runway lengths don't necessarily have to be longer for long flights. The size and weight of the aircraft have more to do with it than the length of the trip.

For example, KLM operates a Houston-Amsterdam service using both 737-700's and 747's. The trip is the same distance, but the 747 will require a far longer runway than the 737.

The reason is that the 747 is a much larger and heavier aircraft. It needs more time and distance to get up to takeoff speed. Also, it needs more room to stop if the takeoff has to be aborted.

This also holds true for short flights. A 747 that is flying 1,000 miles will need more runway than a 737 flying 2,500 miles.

You will often see longer runways used for long flights, but it's because longer flights normally use large aircraft that need more room.

Answer 2

As previously stated, it all depends on weight and the aircraft being used. You obviously won't use the same aircraft for a JFK-Hartford, CT flight that you will for a JFK-Los Angeles flight because you have more people, more luggage, more fuel, more WEIGHT. You need a bigger runway to accommodate for this.

Answer 3

it doesn't, it is probably thought as this due to longer flights requiring more fuel as it is a longer distance, more fuel usally means larger aircraft, larger aircraft has a longer braking distance therefore requires more runway,

Hope this helps