[GMONEY]

was talking with a pilot that utilizes Leesburg airport. He said they want to utlilize ILS there and expand runways for future commercial traffic. But here is an article on Runways. click on this link, get the rest of the info on runways.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runway

"Although runway length may be of some academic interest, in terms of usability for air carrier operations, a runway of at least 6,000 ft (1,829 m) in length is usually adequate for aircraft weights below approximately 200,000 pounds (90,718 kilogrammes). Larger aircraft including widebodies (Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787; Airbus A300, A330, A340, A350, and A380; McDonnell Douglas DC-10 or MD-11; and the Lockheed L1011) will usually require at least 8,000 ft (2,438 m) at sea level and somewhat more at higher altitude airports. International widebody flights may also have landing requirements of 10,000 ft (3,048 m) or more and takeoff requirements of 13,000 ft (3,962 m)+.

At sea level, 10,000 ft (3,048 m) can be considered an adequate length to accommodate virtually any aircraft. For example, at O'Hare International Airport, when landing simultaneously on 22R and 27L or parallel 27R, it is routine for arrivals from the Far East which would normally be vectored for 22R (7,500 ft (2,286 m)) or 27R (8,000 ft (2,438 m)) to request 27L (10,000 ft (3,048 m)). It is always accommodated, although occasionally with a delay.

Any given aircraft will need a longer runway at a higher altitude due to decreased density of air at higher altitudes, which reduces lift and engine power. For example, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is at sea level, while Denver International Airport is at an elevation of over 5,400 ft (1,646 m), so the same aircraft with an identical load will require a longer runway at Denver. An aircraft will also require a longer runway in hotter or more humid conditions (see density altitude). Most commercial aircraft carry manufacturer's tables showing the adjustments required for a given temperature".

[Don H]

Yup..all that is true. Simply put, if it's 87 degrees/f with dew pt at about 84 degrees, Leesburg Airport is now at just about 2400 ft.

But I still say it's gonna be a mite expensive to fly commercial out of there as compared to MCO. If you build it..will they come? Good place for corporate jets though. Although, I aways thought Orlando Executive was the place for them.

[Russ_Boston]

Who knew TOTV had good pilot talk