Authorities at Virginia’s Norfolk International Airport (ORF) are awaiting a ruling from the FAA on when or if they will be able to reopen the nearly 5,000-foot secondary Runway 14/32. According to airport operations director Steve Sterling, the runway was closed in July when it was determined its safety zone did not comply with the latest regulations. Since then, all traffic at the airport has been handled by the 9,000-foot main runway.
Sterling told AIN that the airport submitted a plan to either change the declared distances for the runway, or change its landing threshold, in essence shortening the runway. The airport put a target date of October 5 for the reopening, but that date depends on the FAA’s response. Until then, the authorities have communicated with the lone FBO on the field to alert the general aviation community to the situation. ORF saw 17,000 GA flights last year, and 14/32 is generally used by smaller aircraft, especially in crosswinds. It is also located closer to the FBO. Sterling said the main runway has the capacity to accommodate current levels of GA traffic.