On Sat, 24 Feb 2007 22:11:07 GMT, "Steven P. McNicoll"
wrote:

You don't have to shut down all
operations immediately for an emergency aircraft that needs to land against
traffic but is still some 80 miles or so away.


After listening to snow removal operations at the local Class B's &
C's two weeks ago, I was surprised at how long 80 miles would be.

I heard plows on the runway with inbound jets on15 mile final.

80 miles isn't exactly right there, even for a 757. At 250 knots,
(under 10,000 ft) he's still almost 20 minutes out.

20 minutes is a long time!