Does Anyone Know If Shuttle Launch Affects Air Travel?

[ColleenLovesMinnie]

We are hearing that NASA has moved the next Space Shuttle Launch tentatively to 8/27 at 4 PM from KSC. Does anyone know if that affects air traffic patterns at the Orlando area airports? We are schedueled to take off from Sanford that day at 4:20 PM and are curious if they delay flights until after the launch. We were hoping to see the launch that day but have heard all tickets are sold out already!

Thanks!

 

[jctwizzer]

We've seen launches while waiting for our flights at MCO. As far as I know, the launches had no impact on air traffic

 

[Edd]

Launches do not effect air traffic.

 

[ParrotBill]

There is a rather large air exclusion zone that is in effect before and during a launch, but there is ample room in the sky for the planes to get in and out of MCO. They might even maintain it during the flight. We flew in a few weeks ago during the last mission and I noticed we flew inland much farther north than usual, then south over the city of ORlando. Ususally we fly back over land south of Daytona with a good view of Cape Canaveral, but not that time!

 

[kjs1976]

We were on a plane from MCO to home when the shuttle launched on July 4th. The pilot came over the speaker to say he had gotten clearance to make a right turn to see the shuttle! It was awesome.....really quick, just shot right through the clouds, and then it was gone! But it was on our side of the plane and we had free XM satillite radio so we listened to the live CNN broadcast and watched it! So, that may not answer your question, but may provide you with a unique viewing opportunity!