Large Transport
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 298
Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Airport; Procedure
After pushback and engine start from the gate at OKC; I called Ground Control for taxi and they asked me if we wanted Runway 31 for departure. I looked at the Captain and we both agreed since it's a shorter taxi. I recall mentioning to the Captain that 'I guess they opened Runway 31;' since it was reported closed on the ATIS. I accepted the offer and we were issued a taxi clearance to Runway 31. Once clear of the ramp; I pulled out the OPC to recalculate for the new runway. Shortly thereafter; at the runway; I switched to Tower frequency and we were cleared for takeoff for Runway 31. I don't know why the runway was listed closed on the ATIS; but it did not seem unusual to us that it was closed and then reopened by ATC. Furthermore; both Ground and Tower Control cleared us to the runway so we didn't question it. Finally; neither of us saw any markings to indicate that Runway 31 was closed. I feel that we both acted in a safe manner in this case. I don't recall seeing Runway 31 listed closed in any NOTAMs; and even if it was; I would assume that both controllers would be aware of their runway status. The next time; if there is any doubt; I will verify it with the controller.
On pushback in OKC; Ground Controller asked if we wanted Runway 35L or 31 for departure. We told them [Runway] 31. The First Officer made the adjustments to the OPC and FMC while we taxied out. He mentioned that he thought the runway had been closed earlier. I didn't recall seeing that but we both thought that the runway was open due to ATC offering it to us. I received a call from my Chief Pilot the next morning saying that Headquarters had been notified that we used a closed runway. We thought the runway was open. In hindsight; we should have asked the Controller about it.
First Officer and Captain reported departing a runway that ATIS showed as closed but controllers asked if they wanted to depart on. Pilots accepted runway and later found out through company that it was closed.