Rumor: SWA to announce DEN pilot bases tomorrow 1/31/12

[Inigo Mentoya]

Since everyone and their brother has been saying DEN for years now, I'm pretty sure it will be LAX...or TPA...or AMA...

 

[Dan Roman]

Too funny. I would bet Outerlimits is a SWA pilot trying to make the whole DAL/RJ deal look bad and RJ drivers look bad. Perhaps he is also Tanker Clown?

Sure comes across as someone turned down by DAL at one point in his career before going to SWA.

 

[FlyByNight1]

Yup, been hearing a lot of chatter about Denver... Lately the rumors have been coming in from first hand info rather than the normal "credible" info you hear on the line.

 

[StopNTSing]

Rumor is the announcement will be tomorrow 1/30/12 at 3pm.

Right on except for the date. All of my high-level sources are saying expect the announcement on 1/12/12. :nuts:

 

[Whaler]

Hey, I think I asked this before and never got an answer, can the 717 meet the climb gradient requirements to get into and out of Aspen?

Aspen needs our "Walmart" customers and my profit sharing needs the coin!

Thanks,
KBB

I think the wingspan might be an issue.

 

[FIREMAN]

Came out of Aspen in a Lear 24 with enough gas to get to Peblo and more pax then I should say. Stick shaker going off the whole time but we made it. Take the thrust limit off the 71 should be no problem

 

[rod farva]

I can't see Southwest having a base in Denver. UAL is to big there and would crush Southwest if they try to move into the Denver market.

Yeah, you meant UAL express right?

 

[DonVerita]

Why isn't SWA flying the 737 into Aspen right now?

If it's a performance issue and the 737 can't get in there, then neither could the 717.

 

[dicko]

I think the wingspan might be an issue.

Deleted; due to my fear of Karma and hitting a telephone pole because I posted .....







Touch wood.

 

[njcapt]

Why isn't SWA flying the 737 into Aspen right now?

If it's a performance issue and the 737 can't get in there, then neither could the 717.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspen_–_Pitkin_County_Airport

Operating limitations

Per Title X of the Pitkin County Code, the airport has several unique operating limitations. Due to non-standard runway/taxiway separation, the airport has a 95 ft (29 m) aircraft wingspan limitation. Aircraft weight is restricted to 100,000 pounds (45,000 kg) maximum certificated gross landing weight or less. The Aspen – Pitkin County Airport also has an airport operating curfew. No aircraft operations are permitted between 2300 local and 0700 local. No aircraft departures are permitted after 2230 local. FAR Part 36 Stage II aircraft operations are not permitted more than 30 minutes after official sunset.[2]


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_717


717-200
Basic Gross Weight 717-200 Cockpit crew Two Passengers, typical seating 106 (two-class) 117 (one-class) Length 124 ft 0 in (37.8 m) Wingspan 93 ft 5 in (28.47 m) Tail height 29 ft 1 in (8.92 m) Cabin width, external 131.6 in (334.2 cm) Cabin width, internal 123.8 in (314.5 cm) Max takeoff weight 110,000 lb (49,900 kg) Max range 1,430 nmi (2,645 km) Typical cruising speed Mach 0.77 (504 mph, 438 knots, 811 km/h)
at altitude of 34,200 feet (10,400 m) Powerplants (2x) Rolls Royce BR715-A1-30 Rolls Royce BR715-C1-30 Engine thrust 18,500 lbf (82.3 kN) 21,000 lbf (93.4 kN)