In the final episode of Airport Live, Dan Snow explored what it takes to become an air traffic controller, taking part in some of the tests that help identify certain abilities and aptitudes such as analytical reasoning, quick thinking and calmness under pressure. Dan moved on to a simulator which replicates the Heathrow control tower to see for himself how an air traffic controller has to consider the weather, constant stream of aircraft and the size of each as well as quickly calculating the distance needed between aircraft coming in to land.
Elsewhere, in the engineering hangar, Dallas learned how to service a 747-400 aircraft, getting right into the tail and the nose of the aircraft to see close up what the engineers look for during the service. Later in the programme Dallas returned to the flight simulator to try his hand at landing an A380 in a variety of conditions, including zero visibility.
Looking at the evolution of Heathrow, from a row of army tents, to today’s international hub airport, Dan took a tour around Heathrow’s Terminal 2 which is due to open in just under a year. Dan met with John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s development director, who explained the challenges involved in building £2.5billion 21st century terminal in the middle of the world’s busiest two runway airport, while the airport is fully operational. He also explained the vast array of testing which is already taking place to fine tune the terminal ahead of the opening. The terminal, designed by Sir Norman Foster stands in the footprint of Heathrow’s oldest passenger terminal and hopes to serve 30million passengers per year. From the 54,000 square metre roof, Dan viewed the new ‘toast-rack’ layout – a modern layout which allows aircraft and passengers to move around the airport more efficiently.
The final programme also investigated the impact of Heathrow on those living nearby. From the pub landlord who chose to buy a pub near the airport because of the business it would bring, to the head teacher who was concerned about the impact of noise on her pupils, and has adapted by installing innovative ‘Adobe’ shelters, which reduce aircraft noise by 17decibels and allow this children to learn outdoors. The programme also explored how the industry is attempting to reduce aircraft noise through new technologies.
Tonight, Anita Rami was at the forefront of the action with the Heathrow fire service. She attended a fire drill with the Heathrow fire crew, taking just 2 minutes to extinguish a simulated aircraft fire. Keith Howard, the station manager, gave Anita a tour of Heathrow’s state-of-the-art Panther fire engine, which costs £700,000, can reach speeds of 75mph and can fire water up to 80metres with such power it could knock a car over.
Finally, Kate Humble brought Airport Live to a close by discussing with Simon Calder what the future holds for Heathrow airport and whether expansion at Heathrow, or a new airport holds the solution for increasing airport capacity issue in the UK.
Kate looked back over four days of live action and unprecedented access at Heathrow airport during which time over 5,000 aircraft have taken off and landed at Heathrow.
From turnarounds to new terminals, marshalling to motorways in the sky, ground handlers to go-arounds and air traffic control to aircraft maintenance, Airport Live has been enjoyed by approximately 2.5million viewers. We hope you were one of them and enjoyed this behind the scenes tour of the world’s busiest international airport.
