How the Finn's keep their airports open in winter

[Dedworth]

Should the UK airports invest in this? If they'd done it during the last real big snow storms in the 80's, then we'd have had 20 year old equipment for this weather.

And for most of that time it could have been kept safely mothballed, in prime condition under wraps ready for use if required. I went round MoD depots in the late 90's and there were unused 30 year old Landrover engines under wrap. Still it makes more sense for BAA to rent out acres of perimeter land for carparks than have a small hanger full of stored gear.

Time they were re-nationalised.

Arthur might be able to tell us if RAF Leuchars & Lossiemouth have ever been closed by snow

[Arthur Little]

Arthur might be able to tell us if RAF Leuchars & Lossiemouth have ever been closed by snow

Not sure, to be honest ... but, interestingly, the Government is pursuing a review of UK military bases that could see RAF Leuchars transformed into a *Commercial Airport - working in tandem with [or replacing] the *one at Riverside, Dundee - thereby having the knock-on effect of saving Lossiemouth, which has recently been under threat of closure.

[KeithD]

And for most of that time it could have been kept safely mothballed, in prime condition under wraps ready for use if required. I went round MoD depots in the late 90's and there were unused 30 year old Landrover engines under wrap. Still it makes more sense for BAA to rent out acres of perimeter land for carparks than have a small hanger full of stored gear.

I take it with all this critism of others not being ready for the conditions you are? Blanket/sleeping bag in the car, snow tyres, snow chain, plenty of fluids/food, full tank of petrol every time you go out, snow shovel, your own salt/grit, you clear the area in front of your house/road..... If not, don't tell others what to do until you've done it yourself.

[Dedworth]

I take it with all this critism of others not being ready for the conditions you are? Blanket/sleeping bag in the car, snow tyres, snow chain, plenty of fluids/food, full tank of petrol every time you go out, snow shovel, your own salt/grit, you clear the area in front of your house/road..... If not, don't tell others what to do until you've done it yourself.

I am better prepared than some but you are diverting this thread to personal preparation away from the national disgrace which is Heathrow Airport.

Area outside house cleared plus own rock salt. Cars fully fuelled with shovel which I used on Saturday to aid parking. No snow tyres, chains or food & blankets in /on car though but would do food & blankets if travelling out of immediate local habitated area.

How's your preparations ? Is the freezer stocked, alternative heating arrangements.................??