Airport

Pilots warned of ‘low sealings’ at Utqiagvik airport Seal Sunbathing on the Runway

Airports in Alaska, too, are subject to encounters with wildlife.At the Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport in Utqiagvik, they say that finding musk oxen on the runway is part of everyday life. But, when an animal of another kind laid out to sunbathe on the runway Monday, even airport officials were surprised.

Monday, Scott Babcock shared a photo and video of a bearded seal cavalierly lounging on the runway at the airport with the caption, FOD– airport slang for “Foreign Object Debris.” The post received lots of attention and was eventually shared by the Alaska Department of Transportation, who cracked a joke warning pilots of “low sealings” at the airport.

Babcock says DOT employees are not allowed to haze marine mammals and are only able to observe. That’s why North Slope Animal Control was called out to safely remove the animal from the runway and airport operations were able to resume as usual. Animal control removed the bearded seal, that’s estimated to weigh 450 pounds, with a sled. Bailey says airport staff reports seeing birds, caribou, polar bears and musk ox on the runway, but the seal sighting is a first.

Courtesy ; KTVA

Related Topics:Airline Airport pilot runway

Airport

Western Sydney Airport Welcomes Its First Plane After 6 Years of construction

In a historic milestone for Australia’s aviation sector, the first plane has officially taken off and landed at Western Sydney Airport after six years of construction, much to the delight of a small but enthusiastic group of dedicated planespotters.

A test pilot made the inaugural landing using a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, successfully completing a series of take-off and landing runs on the newly built tarmac. This crucial test paves the way for larger passenger aircraft, which are expected to start using the runway in two years.

Virgin Atlantic Introduces Sign Language Crew Booking for Inclusive Flights

The Piper PA-30 was employed to assess the airport’s approximately 3,000 Aeronautical Ground Lights (AGLs) by executing operations in various conditions, including daylight, dusk, and evening. This testing ensures that the lighting system is fit for purpose and ready to welcome aircraft when the airport opens to commercial flights in late 2026.

The pilot also highlighted that the rapid exit taxiways have been designed at a 45-degree angle, allowing for quicker transitions on and off the runway. Once operational, the airport will feature a single runway capable of handling up to 10 million passengers annually right from day one.

Qatar Airways Launches new Flights From Doha To Toronto

As the construction phase nears completion, the airport’s main terminal, apron, and supporting infrastructure will be ready to accommodate around 81,000 flights each year. This milestone marks a significant moment for Western Sydney Airport, the first new airport to open in Australia since Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport more than two decades ago.

Major airlines, including Qantas and Jetstar, have already committed to operating from the 24/7 facility, signaling strong support for this new hub. By 2033, the airport aims to handle up to 10 million passengers and facilitate extensive air traffic movements annually.