Member Center

Missoula County Coverage

Storm slumps Seattle flights to, from Missoula

Posted: Jan 19, 2012 4:05 PM by Breanna Roy (KPAX News)
Updated: Jan 20, 2012 8:02 AM


Bookmark and Share
Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

MISSOULA - The Missoula International Airport is keeping up its end of the deal, keeping runways clear for airplane arrival and departures, but in Seattle it's another story.

The severe conditions canceled a Missoula-bound flight from Seattle Thursday afternoon as well as a Seattle-bound flight from Missoula. All of Missoula's other connections took off and landed on time.

Missoula International Airport Deputy Director Brian Ellestad said the runways are in "good condition" Thursday, but with freezing rain in the forecast, the maintenance approach might shift on Friday.

Ellestad said freezing rain is worse than snow and that crews would have to use a traction chemical of some sort, not salt, to aid in landings and takeoffs.

Ellestad said all planes have an antiskid system, similar to antilock brakes on a car, and pilots train for this type of weather.

"Once you get into the winter weather, it ends up being standard operation procedure."

Alaska Airlines is optimistic that a 7:24 p.m. flight to Seattle will leave "on time."

Click Here for updated statuses of Missoula International Airport arrivals and departures.

Topics: Missoula, International Airport, plane, arrival, departure, Seattle

Comments

Recent Top Stories