Wilkins Runway
Wilkins Runway | |||||||||||
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| Coordinates | 66°41′27″S 111°31′25″E / 66.69083°S 111.52361°E | ||||||||||
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  YWKS Location in Antarctica | |||||||||||
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Wilkins Runway is a single runway aerodrome operated by Australia, located on upper glacier of the ice sheet Preston Heath, Budd Coast, Wilkes Land, on the continent of Antarctica, but 40 km (25 mi) southeast of the actual coast. It is named after Sir Hubert Wilkins, a pioneer of Antarctic aviation and exploration.[2]
History
Construction of a runway in the Australian Antarctic Territory was first suggested in the 1950s, but logistical, political and environmental issues delayed construction of the runway until 2004.[3] The A$46 million dollar runway is carved into glacial ice, approximately 65 km (40 mi) from the Australian base at Casey Station.
In order to be approved by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Wilkins must be levelled to runway standard with the use of lasers and requires a crew of eight to maintain the level and friction of the runway before each landing.[2]
Activities
CASA issued an aviation licence for the airline
Flights to Antarctica leave from
In 2015, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Antarctic Division commenced cargo flights from Hobart International Airport to Wilkins Runway using C-17 Globemaster aircraft.[8] The service will also be used for medical evacuations, if required. The C-17 was used as a faster and more frequent alternative to the Aurora Australis supply vessel.[9]
In March 2022, Wilkins reported 15 successful flights.[10]
Airlines and destinations
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Hobart
| |
| Royal Air Force | Troll Airfield |
See also
- List of airports in territories of Australia
- List of airports in Antarctica
- Aviation transport in Australia
References
- ^ [ https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/pending/dap/WKSAD01-161_07NOV2019.pdf Aeronautical Chart]
- ^ a b Sebastian, Scmitz (November 2010). "From Oz to Ice: Flight Operations of the Australia Antarctic Division". Airliner World. Key Publishing Ltd.
- ^ a b Historic flight lands in Antarctica, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 January 2008.
- ^ CASA approves Antarctic flights Archived 9 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 January 2008.
- ^ Clarke, Sarah: Antarctic plane heading home after maiden flight, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 11 January 2008.
- ^ Australia builds Antarctic ice runway - News - nbcnews.com
- ^ Meltdown cuts Antarctic flights, "The Mercury (Hobart)", 6 January 2012. Archived 10 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Delivery for Antarctica: RAAF, Antarctic Division complete first air cargo mission to icy continent, "Australian Broadcasting Corporation", 22 November 2015.
- ^ "RAAF operates C-17 proof of concept flights to Antarctica". Australian Aviation. 22 November 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
- ^ "Wings over the ice: Australia lands successful Antarctic aviation season". 22 March 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
