Why can aircraft be directed from residential neighborhoods and sent over the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge or the Delaware River?
Unfortunately, because of the location, shape, and potential obstructions (bridges, etc.) of the Delaware River, the river approach can only be used for a visual approach during good weather conditions, and aircraft have to be aligned with the runway as they get closer to landing. The current airfield configuration at Philadelphia International Airport doesn’t allow planes to fly over the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and be lined up with the runways for arrivals. For safety reasons, the FAA does not allow aircraft to fly over the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge due to a potential for birds that use the refuge to be hit by an aircraft or get stuck in the engines, which is a hazard to the safety of aircraft and its passengers. So flying over the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge would not be a viable option at PHL.
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