Denver International Airport
CONSTRUCTION FACTS
When Denver International Airport opened in 1995, it was the the first major new airport to open in the United States since Dallas-Fort Worth Airport had opened in 1974.
Denver International Airport covers 53 square miles, about twice the size of the island of Manhattan.
Over 110 million cubic yards of earth was moved to grade the airport grounds. This is approximately 1/3 of that moved during the construction of the Panama Canal.
The Jeppesen Terminal's stretched membrane roof's highest point is 126 feet above the terminal floor. It is supported by 34 masts and 10 miles of steel cable.
RUNWAYS
Denver International Airport has three north/south and two east/west runways. Each runway approach is equipped with Instrument Landing Systems
Parallel runways are at least 4,300 feet apart which is the minimum required by the FAA to permit simultaneous landings in bad weather. The layout of the runways provides a maximum amount of flexibilty to maintain landings and takeoffs during the most severe weather conditions. According to the FAA, during the first year of DIA's operation (February, 1995 to January 1996), only Honolulu International and Las Vegas McCarran airports had a lower percentage of flight delays.
CONTROL TOWERS
Air traffic control in the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) guide aircraft within 45-miles of the airport up to an altitude of 24,000 feet. TRACON is located roughly three miles south of the passenger terminals. the 327-foot high control tower located adjacent to the center of Concourse C, the northernmost of the three air terminals, provides an unobstructed view of all runways.
Denver International Airport's web site has more fascinating information about this modern aviation marvel. But, before you visit there, we encourage you to continue browsing through our photos.
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