Tue Jun 24, 2003 3:14 pm
d. Runway configurations:
1. Normal Operations: During Normal Operations, LAX uses the following runway configuration --
25L – ILS and visual approaches
25R – departures (visual approaches, if coordinated with tower)
24L – departures (visual approaches, if coordinated with tower)
24R – ILS and visual approaches
2. Noise Abatement Operations: During Noise Abatement operations (0000-0700 local time) LAX uses the following runway configuration --
25L – departures
25R – closed
6R – closed
6L – ILS and visual approaches
When the field is VFR, this configuration presents little problem, as departures can be instructed to maintain visual separation from the arrivals, and 3 mile separation can be forfeited, and the departures should be assigned a left turn to provide 3 miles separation. When the field is below VFR however, this configuration presents more of a problem, and departures must be held until there are no arrivals on the approach for 6 Left.
3. East Operations: During East Operations, LAX uses the following runway configuration --
6L – ILS and visual approaches
6R – departures (visual approaches, if coordinated with tower)
7L – departures (visual approaches, if coordinated with tower)
7R – ILS and visual approaches
4. Changing runway configuration:
When wind is consistently greater than 10 knots from the east, LAX Tower shall change to East Operations. This is a process that must be coordinated with LAX Approach, LAX Departure, and LAX Center.
The process involves several steps. After notifying the above facilities, LAX Tower stops departures on the 24’s and 25’s and holds them until the last arrivals scheduled for the 24’s and 25’s have landed. Once the aircraft in the stack that has been identified as the last west lander has landed, East Ops may begin.
Pilots who are reluctant to accept the "runway in use" for whatever reason may be accommodated on the opposite direction runway, as long as this is coordinated with approach. (Opposite direction departures cannot be released automatically, and a specific release must be coordinated with SOCAL). If there will be a delay, advise the pilot of how long this may be, and do your best to accommodate his/her needs.
[Edited 2003-06-24 08:20:27]