Tampa International Airport affected by shift in magnetic pole
Photographer: WFTS
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 01/10/2011
TAMPA - Scientists say the Earth's magnetic north pole is moving, so officials at Tampa International Airport are relabeling its main runway to reflect the change.
The runway re-designation project will change all existing numbers on all three runways. The runway has been labeled on aviation charts as 18R/36L, indicating its location along the 180-degree approach from the north and the 360-degree approach from the south.
It will become 19R/1L.
The change was required by the Federal Aviation Administration to account for a gradual shift of the Earth's magnetic pole at nearly 40 miles a year toward Russia.
It's being caused by magnetic changes in the planet's core.
The earth’s magnetic field is what makes runways work, including those used by pilots.
The west runway will be closed until January 13. During that time time, South Tampa residents may notice more aircraft noise.
When the east runway closes, those on the northwest side may hear those planes flying by.
Copyright AP Modified, Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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