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The question is what is the real requirement for the "runway extension?" Apparently the compromise for the crosswinds runway was the use of the Boeing 737-800 as the design aircraft for that project (according to a report in the ProJo). Here is the 2006 Boeing press release for that plane. It shows that the 737-800 clearly can operate from the existing main runway at Green as well as from a somewhat shorter crosswinds runway than currently laid out. There will be an environmental assessment of the change in the crosswinds runway configuration -- based on the design aircraft. There is absolutely no reason to believe that that assessment will find that the 737-800 needs a runway of more than 7,000 feet at Green. The airport will stay within its existing fence for at least the next 20 years.

This has been the major thrust of my objections for the past five years. Apparently FAA is coming to its senses -- forced to do so by a Congress unwilling to stand by and watch billions wasted on useless runway projects. Yea!

SEATTLE, July 31, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Friday delivered to GOL, Brazil's low-fare, low-cost airline, the first Next-Generation 737 with enhanced short runway landing and takeoff capabilities.

The 737-800 is the first of that model type delivered to GOL as the carrier augments capacity on domestic and regional international routes. It also is the first delivery of 67 737-800s the all-Boeing carrier has on order for delivery out to 2012. The airline currently operates 50 737s.

"We have worked with GOL to enhance the 737 and add value to its operations. Our partnership drove development of these enhancements that now will benefit the product line and many airlines around the world," said John Wojick, vice president Sales, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The 737 design enhancements allow operators to fly increased payload in and out of airports with runways less than 5,000 feet long. The design enhancements include a two-position tail skid that enables reduced approach speeds, sealed leading-edge slats that provide increased lift during takeoff, and increased flight spoiler deflection on the ground that improves takeoff and landing performance.

"Boeing helped us to expand our capacity on the most profitable route in Brazil, (Sao Paulo-Rio De Janeiro) while offering comfort and safety to our clients," said David Barioni, GOL's vice president, technical.

The short-field performance changes were developed starting in 2004 in response to GOL's needs at Santos Dumont airstrip in Rio de Janeiro. That 4,300-foot runway is short compared to other runways and could not accommodate larger airplanes at higher approach speeds with full payloads.

From: RIAC, FAA trim runway safety area project

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