Test flights

The goal of the 199394 season was to certify the runway for C-141 Starlifter op-

erations. The proof cart was reconfigured to duplicate the C-141 main landing gear

and was ballasted to a load of 384,000 lb (174,000 kg), approximately 25% greater

than the maximum takeoff load on the main gear. The tires were inflated to 260 psi

(1791 kPa), compared to the 200-psi (1396-kPa) maximum pressure for the C-141.

Proof testing of the runway for C-141 aircraft covered more than 50% of the run-

way surface, with tire tracks being no more than 3 ft (1 m) apart. No failures were

found of the type seen the prior year. Several shallow gouges from the bulldozer

blade used to clear winter-over snow were detected and they were patched. Proof

testing was completed in two days, and the runway was then dragged and planed to

provide an extremely smooth operating surface. The runway was certified for

C-130 and C-141 operations and opened for air operations on 25 January, 1994.

Test flights

Before becoming operational for wheeled aircraft, a flight test was performed to

determine the high-speed characteristics and surface traction of the runway. On 6

February 1993, an LC-130 operating on wheels performed tests including a light

landing (102,000 lb or 46,250 kg), high-speed taxi, steering, braking (including locked

wheel), heavy takeoff (125,000 lb or 56,700 kg), touch-and-go landing, full-stop land-

ing, taxi on skis, and an opposite direction takeoff. All test flight results were deemed

excellent by the flight crew, and runway engineers noted no ill effects to the runway

surface. The runway was then opened for Hercules operations for the remainder of

the 199293 season.

In preparation for the C-141 flight test in early February 1994, we again utilized

an LC-130. On 25 January 1994, an empty Hercules returning from the South Pole

landed and completed high-speed taxi tests, braking tests, and a takeoff, all from

wheels. The flight crew reported that the runway had a superb operating surface

and that the runway was visible from 60 miles (97 km) away when approaching on

a clear day. They also reported that the surface was smoother than most of the

concrete runways from which they operate.

On 7 February 1994, a C-141 flew from Christchurch to a landing on the Pegasus

glacial ice runway. The plane weighed 230,000 lb (104,300 kg) on landing. It touched

down exactly at the north-end zero threshold and had reached a slow taxi speed

within 6,000 ft (1830 m) using wheel brakes and a slight amount of reverse thrust.

Snow billowing was not a problem. One to 3 in. of processed snow cover was present

on the ice surface, and the plane appeared to displace the snow only where more

than 2 in. (5 cm) were present or where prior C-130 wheel tracks had existed. The

C-141 taxied the full length of the runway and executed its turn-around at the south

end without difficulty. The plane slowly taxied back to the ramp at the north end

and again turned fully to align with the fuel pit on the west side of the ramp. Some

front wheel skidding occurred during this sharp turn.

Conversations with the pilot and crew indicated extreme satisfaction with the

runway. They remarked on the degree of smoothness; ground observers at the 5000-

ft mark could detect no wing deflections at touch-down or during run-out. The

C-141 was then fueled and loaded with three pallets of priority science cargo and 54

passengers, bringing the aircraft to a total weight of 280,000 lb (127,000 kg), It pro-

ceeded with takeoff, pulling clear of the runway at the 5000-ft (1520-m) mark. The

runway suffered no damage from the C-141 operation.