News: Test flights Polderbaan Runway on 10 and 14 May

You may see a small aircraft flying towards the Polderbaan from various heights and distances on 10th and 14th May. Schiphol and Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) will be conducting special test flights to check the Polderbaan's updated landing system. As of 15th May, the Polderbaan will be used again by air traffic.

Published on: 30 April 2021

Cessna test aircraft

The test flights will take place between 11:00 and 19:00 on Monday 10th May and Friday 14th May. The exact timings depend on factors like the weather conditions and air traffic volumes. These flights will be carried out by a special test aircraft: a Cessna with the registration number PH-LAB. Two other dates have been reserved in the event that certain conditions prevent the test flights from going ahead as planned. They are Tuesday 11th May and Monday 17th May.

Runway unavailable

The Polderbaan Runway will be available as of 15th May, on completion of the major maintenance. On Wednesday 12th May, LVNL will be taking measurements on the runway using a special vehicle. The Polderbaan Runway will not be available to air traffic while these measurements are being taken and while these test flights are being carried out. Furthermore, the Zwanenburgbaan Runway cannot be used for take-off or landing while the test flights are going on. At those times, the Kaagbaan and Buitenveldertbaan runways are likely to be deployed.

Low visibility

The Polderbaan Runway can be used again for take-off and landing upon completion of the test flights and when the landing system has been approved for use. However, international safety standards state that the new landing system must be fully functioning for five weeks before the runway can be used for landing at times when visibility is low. Only after that period of five weeks can the Polderbaan Runway once again be used for landing in all kinds of visibility conditions.