T.F. Green’s main runway (5L/23R) is 7,100 feet long and has been part of a running debate regarding its ultimate length, an issue RIAC is leaving to the SRC and the Master Plan process to clearly define and answer. One reason it is considered our main runway is first and foremost, Warwick prevailing winds flow down in the direction of that runway (north winds flow generally from the compass heading of 050 degrees, and southerly winds flow from 230 compass heading, hence the 5/23 designation for the runways). Another reason it is our main runway is its length. 7,100 feet of runway is almost always preferred over the alternative of a 6,100-foot crosswind runway, except where wind direction dictates (aircraft fly into the wind).

The “crosswind” gets its designation because the airport’s prevailing winds are less likely to flow down Runway 16/34, approximately 25 percent of the time. That means, 25 percent of the time, aircraft departures off of the crosswind are preferred and safer, because the wind is flowing in that direction. The crosswind runway is usable in its current configuration, but is not in compliance with the latest FAA rule changes for runway safety areas (overrun). T. F. Green operates the crosswind under a “grand-fathered” rulemaking, which will expire the day the runway is improved in anyway. That day is coming within the next three years, as the crosswind must undergo a pavement overlay in order to maintain a usable pavement surface.

When we begin the crosswind project planning, RIAC (and indeed, RIDEM, Corps of Engineers and the City of Warwick) will decide if this airport shall have a useable crosswind, because there exists, just off the end of the crosswind runway, an urban wetland. Arguably the wetland is adjacent to an abandoned landfill (the old Truk-Away site, currently the responsibility of the Department of Administration) and is of questionable quality. Any extension of the crosswind runway would require some type of remediation on the part of RIAC and its airline tenants, a commitment we are prepared to take on.

In order for the rehabilitated crosswind runway to be useable under current FAA safety regulations, we must lengthen it. This would anticipate extending the pavement surface to the southeast and through those wetlands, which will ultimately provide a crosswind runway within FAA approved safety areas.

If we do not add to the runway surface, either because RIDEM/Corps of Engineers denies the permit, or the City of Warwick Council denies it, the useable crosswind runway surface will have to be reduced to 4,100 feet to allow for the FAA approved safety areas, leaving the runway unusable by commercial jet aircraft.

My concern is that some airport opponents may see this issue as an opportunity to restrict airport operations. The nature of the resulting effect on aircraft delays, cancellations and diversions is not fully understood. What we do know for fact is, that, if the extension of this crosswind runway is not allowed to go forward, it will force all commercial jet aircraft, every jet departure, every jet arrival, to use Runway 5L/23R, flying directly over the City of Warwick.

In the coming months, RIAC will endeavor to better understand the true nature of the contamination surrounding the Truk-Away site, and the potential water quality issues that exist nearby. These environmental issues can potentially be addressed at the same time RIAC looks to extend the crosswind runway. In the meantime, I am asking your readers, and specifically, the SRC and City of Warwick, to consider the potential impacts of losing this critical runway surface.

Without a jet-useable crosswind runway:

Every jet operation will be forced to over-fly the most populated areas of Warwick;

A real potential for scheduled carriers to cancel or divert flights due to unfavorable (unsafe) wind conditions on the main runway will exist;

T. F. Green may experience a potential loss of airline service to Rhode Island;

The City of Warwick may see a loss of tax revenues from businesses relocating to other airports with better operating runways, and;

The wetlands to the east of the airport will continue in their present state.

I am prepared to work with the City of Warwick, the DEM, State and Federal officials to ensure RIAC takes a leadership role in breathing new life to the ugly wetlands that currently exist off the southeast end of the crosswind. Even though much of the land in question will not be RIAC property, we feel the responsibility to do what is right, as we preserve this economic asset for the State of Rhode Island. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.

Editor’s note: Michael G. Cheston is the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.