747-8 approved for service to EWR

[JHNA57]

I cannot post the link right now, but CBS is reporting that the 747-8 has been granted a waiver to serve at EWR.

[Mateo]

Who had applied for it, Lufti?

[cancidas]

why's it need a waiver?

[JHNA57]

Found the link!

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/12/14/faa-grants-waiver-allowing-boeing-747-8-at-newark-airport

[Matt Molnar]

Port Authority applied for the waiver, as Newark's taxiways and runways do not meet the required widths for the new Airplane Design Group VI, of which the 747-8 and A380 are members. The A380 has not been approved for EWR ops.

Runways
ADG VI requirement: 200 ft wide with 40 ft shoulders (280 ft total)
Newark: 150 ft wide with 25 ft shoulders and 15 ft erosion pavement (230 ft total)

Taxiways
ADG VI requirement: 100 ft wide with 40 ft stabilized shoulders (180 ft total)
Newark: 75 ft wide with 25 ft stabilized shoulders and 15 ft erosion pavement (155 ft total)

Runway to Taxiway Separation
ADG VI requirement: 500-550 ft depending on elevation
Newark: 350-400 ft

There are several other measurements considered as well...

Because of the tight squeeze, the 747-8 will be banned from certain EWR taxiways and ATC will need to implement special taxi paths to ensure it doesn't smack into stuff. Also, 747-8s may not taxi over 20 mph at EWR, and they will need to be careful of jet blast as well.

Here is the full document: http://www.faa.gov/airports/engineering/nla_mos/media/ewr_747_MOS.pdf

[benji]

I had no idea that the A380 hasn't be approved for EWR. All that technology and nowhere to land!

[PhilDernerJr]

Airlines are interested in this not just to land at EWR as a destination, but also so they can have more alternate airports when weather is bad, which is just as important.