Why build super long runways?

[jrpilot]

Why do we keep building super long runways....I understand that sometimes a jet may come into fast beacuse of problems and may need some more feet...but Denver is making a 16,000 foot runway...why do they keep making such long runways...do you know?

[ozzy72]

Plenty of room for those bigger better An-225 stunt shows

[Craig.]

the A380 will need 10,000 feet minimum. So you could imagine what it will need in an emergency.

[ozzy72]

Yup an extra strong pair of incontinence pants

[Craig.]

LOL thought those were for your passengers

[ozzy72]

Nah I've designed these new special air-sick bags that are rather like a cross between a body-bag and a wetsuit, but keep the diced carrots on the inside

[Scottler]

Also remember that the US Space Program has emergency runways across the US in case of a problem during launch or re-entry of the Space Shuttle.

A perfect example of this is Bangor, Maine (KBGR).

And don't forget that even some of your "smaller" airports will occasionally find themselves needing longer strips in special circumstances.  The visit of Air Force One and the immediate grounding of all airliners on September 11th come to mind.

And finally...just because airplanes NOW don't need to use the whole strip doesn't mean this will always be the case.  It's much cheaper to lay down more runway than you need and let the planes "catch up" than it is to rip up the runway and throw a new one down when the bigger planes are released.

[tsunami_KNUW]

The extra long runways are being built to get ready for the new aircraft that will need them. Actually Denver already has it's 16,000ft runway up.  ;)

[Falcon_Six_Two]

The longer runway, the better off I'll be.

[OTTOL]

Alright.........everybody say it together with me............"Balanced field length "...........Now try this one " Density Altitude"

[Wing Nut]

So your saying a 777 would need longer to ake off at 6000 ft than it would at 2000?  Ok, I can wrap myself around that.

[Blackbird971]

The longer it is, the wider the saftey margin.

[Pinchaser...]

drag racing for the grounds crews.  ;D

[SilverFox441]

I thought longer runways were for Republic products (P-47, F-105)...there used to be a saying:

If someone built a runway completey around the planet, Republic would build a plane that would use all of it.

[Saitek]

Well thats quite an odd question really.. I'd say the answer is because they are needed! I suppose the large aircraft need long runways and therefore the longer they are the safer they are.

Ben