Circular Runways
Navy pilot James R. Conley is credited with first promoting (and patenting) the idea of a circular runway.
A circular runway would offer advantages such as being able to approach it from any direction, so a plane could always land into the wind. Also, you'd never run out of runway.
But a circular runway has never been built, largely because pilots aren't trained to land on them. Nor are flight systems designed for them.
But a small group of enthusiasts still holds out hope that, someday, circular runways might see their day.
More info: wikipedia, Wired (May 5, 2017)
A circular runway would offer advantages such as being able to approach it from any direction, so a plane could always land into the wind. Also, you'd never run out of runway.
But a circular runway has never been built, largely because pilots aren't trained to land on them. Nor are flight systems designed for them.
But a small group of enthusiasts still holds out hope that, someday, circular runways might see their day.
More info: wikipedia, Wired (May 5, 2017)
Long Beach Independent - Dec 5, 1965
Comments
So... you're coming in... storm's blowing, you're trying to keep the girl straight... and the second you touch down, you have to run in a circle?
No. Not ever gonna happen.
No. Not ever gonna happen.
Posted by Richard Bos on 10/19/24 at 06:51 PM
Category: Patents | Air Travel and Airlines