3.3 Selection of Runway in use
3.1 The term ‘Runway-in-use’ shall be used to indicate the runway or runways that, at a particular time, are considered by the aerodrome control tower to be the most suitable for use by the types of aircraft expected to land or take-off at the aerodrome.
3.2 Normally the runway or landing direction most closely aligned into the wind will be selected. However, the following factors will also be taken into consideration when selecting the runway to be used:-
- Type of aircraft which will be using the aerodrome;
- Length of runway;
- Traffic patterns, especially where these will conflict with other aerodromes;
- Pilot’s visibility as affected by the rays of the sun or weather;
- Prevailing weather;
- Approach aids available;
- Noise-abatement procedures where these have been prescribed;
- Serviceability of taxiways serving the runway-in-use;
- Crosswind component.
3.3 If the runway-in-use or landing direction is not considered suitable for the operation involved, the flight crew may request permission to use another runway and, if circumstances permit, should be cleared accordingly.
3.4 Controllers must be aware of the crosswind component at all times and it shall be passed to a pilot on request. When the crosswind component exceeds 15 knots it shall be passed to all aircraft.