Saskatoon and Regina Air Service

[thefourthtower]

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[SkydivePilot]

Originally Posted by thefourthtower

SkydivePilot have you seen the plans for the expansion

Hey! Um, I haven't 'seen' the expansion plans as-of-yet; however, I'm deeply 'in the know' regarding them. (Though the AGM presentation/media on Thursday - basically - 'caught up' to what I've known for quite some time.) I, uh, don't have the authority to expand on that any further. Whichever design layout they do choose for the Regina ATB, no matter what, will be most impressive!

I can say that the Regina Airport Authority is going to try and 'crystal ball' this thing and time the expansion at the cusp of the economic and airline industry curve in the best manner possible. That'll still be a few years down the road.

[Scruff Bucket]

Nice! According to the previously posted link (http://www.yqr.ca/images/corporate/reference-materials/yqr_master_plan_2007_-_2027.pdf), if the master plan is followed, p. 116 shows the side elevation of the terminal expanded along its length by 9m (30 ft) out toward the driving lanes, with realignment of the driving lanes to accommodate the expansion, along with a possible multi-level parking structure that may be constructed, only after esthetics and sitelines have been considered.

P. 79 recommends that land should be reserved to extend the length of runway 13-31 to 9000ft (2743m), presumably to accommodate larger aircraft (?!) According to Appendix A of the Canadian Airport Pavement Bearing Strengths document, wouldn't there be a need to eventually increase the load bearing capacity of the whole runway for some of the larger aircraft (from its present pavement load rating (PLR) of 11 to maximum 12? (re: Appendix B)) -- a lot of smaller airports that are listed already possess runways with PLR 12! (Probably because they engage heavy cargo or utility aircraft!)

This document is dated 2001, has there been any work on runway 08-26 to increase its load bearing capacity (stated as PLR 9) since then? -- unless that's already been done since the past runway upgrade work that took place last year! It looks like both runways could be widened also (from 46m), as even both of Saskatoon's runways are 61m wide, both with PLR's of 11!

Anyway, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the actual plans for Regina Airport expansion!

Edit: Oops! If I remember correctly, last year they did work on the apron, not the runway!

[SkydivePilot]

Originally Posted by Scruff Bucket

Nice! According to the previously posted link (http://www.yqr.ca/images/corporate/reference-materials/yqr_master_plan_2007_-_2027.pdf), if the master plan is followed, p. 116 shows the side elevation of the terminal expanded along its length by 9m (30 ft) out toward the driving lanes, with realignment of the driving lanes to accommodate the expansion, along with a possible multi-level parking structure that may be constructed, only after esthetics and sitelines have been considered.

P. 79 recommends that land should be reserved to extend the length of runway 13-31 to 9000ft (2743m), presumably to accommodate larger aircraft (?!) According to Appendix A of the Canadian Airport Pavement Bearing Strengths document, wouldn't there be a need to eventually increase the load bearing capacity of the whole runway for some of the larger aircraft (from its present pavement load rating (PLR) of 11 to maximum 12? (re: Appendix B)) -- a lot of smaller airports that are listed already possess runways with PLR 12! (Probably because they engage heavy cargo or utility aircraft!)

This document is dated 2001, has there been any work on runway 08-26 to increase its load bearing capacity (stated as PLR 9) since then? -- unless that's already been done since the past runway upgrade work that took place last year! It looks like both runways could be widened also (from 46m), as even both of Saskatoon's runways are 61m wide, both with PLR's of 11!

Anyway, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the actual plans for Regina Airport expansion!

Edit: Oops! If I remember correctly, last year they did work on the apron, not the runway!

Last year, they expanded both Apron 1 - and - repaved both runways. In the past, both Regina and Saskatoon had runways that were 61m (200') wide. Regina's were narrowed to 46m (150') in 1992 (when both runways were repaved at that time). During 2009, both of Saskatoon's runways were also contracted to 150' when they repaved theirs. (This is insothat it would take less time to remove snow - and save $$$ - in upkeep.) Even though the pavement portion for all of these runways is still 200' wide; however, the runway light track is reduced to 150' apart these days. La raison d'etre aussi is that we don't have excessively large aircraft servicing Regina and Saskatoon on a regular basis any more. During the 1970s-80s, we had DC-8 and L-1011-type aircraft frequenting here.

13-31 will - eventually - be lenghened to 9100'. (Likely with a displaced threshold fo Rwy 13. They could do the same for 31 as well. Another potential 1000' if they ever need it.)

[Scruff Bucket]

Thanks for clarifying that, SkydivePilot!

Does the RAA foresee that Regina will receive larger aircraft in the future by lengthening the runway, or is that more for safety? Do larger aircraft necessarily require the wider runways? It seems logical that as Regina airport becomes busier, a time might come when larger aircraft will be landing more regularly. Does the masterplan include more (additional) gates and bridges to be constructed on the airside of the terminal for passengers loading/unloading on more aircraft?

[Brutopian]

An article from the Feb/Mar 2012 edition of BUSINESSView magazine, produced by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce:

http://issuu.com/saskatoonchamber/docs/business_view_feb_march_2012?mode=window&pageNumber=12

[SkydivePilot]

Originally Posted by Scruff Bucket

Thanks for clarifying that, SkydivePilot!

Does the RAA foresee that Regina will receive larger aircraft in the future by lengthening the runway, or is that more for safety? Do larger aircraft necessarily require the wider runways? It seems logical that as Regina airport becomes busier, a time might come when larger aircraft will be landing more regularly. Does the masterplan include more (additional) gates and bridges to be constructed on the airside of the terminal for passengers loading/unloading on more aircraft?

Today's aircraft pound-per-pound require less runway distance during the take-off roll (as a whole) than aircraft designes of previous deacades.

Larger aircraft which possess large wingspans (160'+) do require wider runways insothat they don't ingest dirt/garbage/debris. Their engines could hang over (or beyond) the runway edge.

The runway will eventually be lengthened in order to accomodate cargo-type aircraft. The increase in runway length will not only be for safety concerns, but it would enable any given aircraft an increased V1 speed (go/no-go during take-off). Landings are not nearly as much a concern with runway length. (Although aircraft still need some rwy length! LOL!!!)

I reckon that the terminal - when it's expanded - will have a few additional jetways. There are 7 on it right now. Saskatoon has (had) 6. YXE will have 8 after their expansion is complete.

[Scruff Bucket]

Thanks again, SkydivePilot! I'll certainly try to get out that way to have a look at your dioramas!

[SkydivePilot]

Originally Posted by Scruff Bucket

Thanks again, SkydivePilot! I'll certainly try to get out that way to have a look at your dioramas!

You're very welcome Mr. Scruff Bucket!!! Any questions about our airports here guys --- please feel free to ask.

[Migs]

Originally Posted by SkydivePilot

You're very welcome Mr. Scruff Bucket!!! Any questions about our airports here guys --- please feel free to ask.

Yeah I got a question, as a photographer, how can I find out when there are military aircraft arriving at the airport (as I know it is used as a stopover from time to time). Thanks

[Stormer]

sounds like you might be a terrorist posing as a photographer.

[SkydivePilot]

Originally Posted by Migs

Yeah I got a question, as a photographer, how can I find out when there are military aircraft arriving at the airport (as I know it is used as a stopover from time to time). Thanks

In my experience, Flight Services doesn't divulge such information regarding military aircraft or aircraft which fly VIPs/Heads of State etc. One can still ask though. ('wouldn't hurt.)

[kalin_10]

[Robag]

Westjet has selected the Q400 for their new regional airline that is to start flying late 2013. This should mean increased service to destinations like Edmonton and Winnipeg from Regina.

http://westjet2.mediaroom.com/

[Dan0myte]

Originally Posted by Robag

This should mean increased service to destinations like Edmonton and Winnipeg from Regina....

... via a Turboprop airplane.

I know Bombardier says it's one of the quietest turboprops in production, but that's like saying I just let out one of the quietest farts ever. It's still got the same stink.

[Robag]

Originally Posted by Dan0myte

... via a Turboprop airplane.

I know Bombardier says it's one of the quietest turboprops in production, but that's like saying I just let out one of the quietest farts ever. It's still got the same stink.

The cruising speed of a Q400 is about 30 miles per hour slower than the cruising speed of the CRJ aircraft that Air Canada Express use, and the comfort and quaility of the aircraft is far superior than the CRJ. I think overall, it's a win for us if they start using the Q400 on these routes. It wouldn't decrease the time at all to fly to these destinations than it does right now. And personally, I much rather sit in a 2 by 2 configuration on the Q400 than the 3 by 3 that the 737's have. That's just my preference, I know not everyone is the same.

On another note, I once flew from Portland to Vancouver on the older Dash 8 300 series. Yes the older planes are louder, and not as comfortable, but the view was fantastic as we flew over the Mount St Helen's site. That was almost 30 years after it blew, and the destruction that it left for miles was evident. You do not get the same experience from a jet aircraft flying 33,000 feet up as you do with the turboprops flying 20,000 feet up.

[SkydivePilot]

Originally Posted by Dan0myte

... via a Turboprop airplane.

I know Bombardier says it's one of the quietest turboprops in production, but that's like saying I just let out one of the quietest farts ever. It's still got the same stink.

I'll back-up Robag here. The Q400 employs active cabin noise reduction ---- and they are VERY quiet!!! I hear this all of the time about when people see a 'turboprop-driven' aircraft, they typically think that these aforementioned turboprops are attavisms to DC-3s. Furthermore, turboprop-driven-type aircraft are far, far more efficient on fuel than even the smaller, high by-pass-type turbofans (of similar calibre).

With regards to short-haul flights, a Q400 will be just as expedient as a B737. (On a long-haul flight, maybe not quite as much.)

Like it or not, turboprops are here to stay ---- forever.

[casper]

Originally Posted by SkydivePilot

I'll back-up Robag here. The Q400 employs active cabin noise reduction ---- and they are VERY quiet!!! I hear this all of the time about when people see a 'turboprop-driven' aircraft, they typically think that these aforementioned turboprops are attavisms to DC-3s. Furthermore, turboprop-driven-type aircraft are far, far more efficient on fuel than even the smaller, high by-pass-type turbofans (of similar calibre).

With regards to short-haul flights, a Q400 will be just as expedient as a B737. (On a long-haul flight, maybe not quite as much.)

Like it or not, turboprops are here to stay ---- forever.

I have only been on the older Dash. I did Saskatoon - Edmonton in December on Air Canada Jazz Dash-8.

The Global and Mail Article lists Saskatoon-Winnipeg and Regina=Winnipeg as two routes being considered.. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-inv...ane-for-regional-service/article2418751/

It would be nice to have competition on the Saskatoon-Winnipeg route again.

[jmt18325]

Originally Posted by casper

The Global and Mail Article lists Saskatoon-Winnipeg and Regina=Winnipeg as two routes being considered.. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-inv...ane-for-regional-service/article2418751/

I would have expected those to be some of the first new routes.

[SkydivePilot]

Originally Posted by jmt18325

I would have expected those to be some of the first new routes.

Ya, they'll do it. To fly a B737 to YWG (especially from YQR) is not economically pragmatic. On the other hand, a 76-seat Q400 will fit that niche just fine.