Aviation
Madeira Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport), located in Portugal, is often considered a challenging airport for aviation due to several factors:
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Short Runway:
Initially, the runway was quite short, making landings and takeoffs difficult, requiring precision and skill from pilots. While the runway has been extended, it still presents challenges.
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Mountainous Terrain:
The airport is surrounded by steep mountains and the ocean. This geography requires pilots to execute complex maneuvers during approach and departure to avoid obstacles.
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Strong and Unpredictable Winds:
The location is prone to strong and turbulent winds, which can change rapidly and significantly affect aircraft handling, making approaches and landings particularly challenging.
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"Approach over the Ocean":
The approach to the runway often involves flying over the ocean, which can be visually disorienting and requires precise altitude control.
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Runway Construction:
A significant portion of the runway is built on a platform extending over the ocean, supported by concrete pillars. This unique structure requires careful consideration during landings and takeoffs.
These combined factors demand specialized training and certification for pilots to operate at Madeira Airport, making it known as one of the more challenging airports in the world.
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