London City Airport (Chapter 2)

[Raw Data]

Not tech? It was FULL of tech!!

Any other LCY'ers want to continue our "technical" discussion?

See, this is what happens when you let Aussies moderate fora... :rolleyes: :D :D

[swashplate]

Raw D:

I e-mailed His most Imperial majesty, the TOWERS, as I was concerened the thread was getting close to the dread 100 Posts where PPRuNe's server is blown into the stratosphere!!!!!

He said he'd put a warning on to wind stuff doen, but methinks young checkboard must have gone in guns blazing. :rolleyes:

Swashplate wishes all chaps/esses to feel free to continue the most interesting discussion.....

[Pointer]

Aaaah Good morning fellas and fellets,

Refreshing to see us on top of the list again, for the sake of "tech"....our airplanes have wings made out of high grade aluminium wich will no doubt serve as beer cans in the future. if you don't call this "tech" (i put in the 'beer'link so aussies have something to assosiate with)

Well a Small BASH at an establishment close to LCY, gents (of all gender) from the tower it's your home turff so any idee's?

[Raw Data]

Ah good, everyone is STILL out there!

Now, don't forget, we all have to mention at least one technical thing per post, otherwise we shall be banished to "Aircrew Notices" or some other equally obscure backwater. I'll contribute the 146 main oleo inflation pressure at 16C (2200 psi).

Maybe we should ask Danny for a private forum, it would get more use than some of the chronically under-used airline private forums!!

[swashplate]

Ahhh.....you want tech info....ermm......righto:

"The ILS approach into LCY is angled at 6 degrees to the horizontal rather than the usual 3 degrees at t'other airfields."

Technical enough for y'all...??? :rolleyes:

BTW, I'm always up for a bash.... :D :D :D :D

[Raw Data]

Er, thing is, Swashplate, the tech info should be accurate!

It's 5.5 degrees... :D :D :D

[Pointer]

RD, i think(so i do...intresting)that swashplate just comes in to LCY a 6deg. when he forgets to power back.....errr

Who els has problems keeping the glide at "high" speed ??

[Raw Data]

No, Swashplate isn't one of us (pilots), he's one of them (computer geeks)... you know, the ones who earn more than we do... :D :D

Maybe you can do 6 degrees on MS Flight Sim...??? Just kidding Swashplate! Come with us sometime and experience the magic of 5.5 degrees from the flight deck...!!!

[Pointer]

Yes Yes i didn't see the profile at forehand :rolleyes: . mea culpa.

:o :o

[swashplate]

Hi Chaps!!!!

Would LOVE to exp 5.5 degree glideslope. Earlier post was in jest chaps....!!! :rolleyes:

Will admit to being computer geek, but will fly R22 one happy day.......

Anyone got £10K handy.... :D :D

[Raw Data]

Swashplate ole buddy, don't worry, we KNEW it was in jest!!

If you are ever flying EDI-LCY and I'm on that day, you are most welcome to the jumpseat. Choose a nice day, though, preferably with the wind out of the east!!

[Checkboard]

swashplate perhaps you emailed the wrong guy! ;)

Normally I am a pretty quiet moderator, but the other night I clocked on to find that an easy 30% of the threads really had nothing to do with the Technical discussion of flying aeroplanes - so I had a bit of a general clean-up.

Now the whole idea of being a moderator is to[list=1] protect PPRuNe form legal action arising from slander :mad: (thankfully extremely rare in Tech Log),
keep discussions to a posting and picture content level that doesn't break the server,
preserve the character of the forum - this includes keeping an eye on the language :eek: , and sheparding "lost :confused: threads" to a more appropriate area, and
provide an online community for people to play ;)[/list=a]

Sometimes juggling goals three and four conflict with each other :D I'll let this one continue for a while - dark glasses on! :cool:

[Expedite your backtrack!]

Urgent Message from the Tower!

When searching for a location to meet up for refreshments - it is worth remembering that we are situated in the East End of Laaandon! It is probably safer to head west to Canary Wharf way (that big building you guys try to miss every day)- unless we all go dressed in Monkey diguises.

Ps. Keep up the chatting on this forum - it might mean that you'll refrain from doing it on my precious frequency! (ATC Humour)

pps. bit of tech knowledge - the closest Raw Data's wing tip has got to the runway on a x-wind day is around 3 foot! :)

[Pointer]

EYB,

Didn't they leave the sticker on the window when installing it in the tower......

"Objects may apear closer to the runway than they actualy are!"

OK, here is the deal..pick a spot(incl sleap over location)...set the date...then i'll be there!

[DJXL]

Raw Data, that offer of yours...

If there any chance of having a go in the jump seat anyway? I'm a poor student with an aircraft fetish and a ticket for LCY - EDI doesn't quite fit into the budget...

[Raw Data]

Sorry, no can do unless you have a ticket (company rule).

EYB- a miss, as they say, is as good as a mile :) That's what happens when you report an actual 35 kt crosswind as 20kts...!!!

[Pointer]

.....We're awaiting EYB's comment on this.... :eek:

[Wedge]

Thanks to a very nice British European Captain I was lucky enough to have the jumpseat into LCY in a Dash 8 a couple of weeks ago for a 28 approach. Was surprised at how short the final was, and yes it is fun going down that 6 degree approach path. (Wasn't you Raw Data was it? :D, I didn't mention PPRuNe!)

[Expedite your backtrack!]

RD- We give you the 2 minute average wind speed, so by the time you've bounced 4 times down the runway, it has changed to something completely different ;) Only joking!

Pointer - don't you fly for a certain Belgian carrier? If so, could you ask your maintx staff to check all your altimeters!

Last couple of visual approaches on 10 I asked to fly not below 1500 feet until on final just about scraped 800 feet over the dome :D (or is it the mode C on our radar that is out?) Keep up the entertainment - it would be a very boring life without!

[Pointer]

EYB, you're correct regarding my pay-check :D .
As for the visual approach; I asked to fly not below 1500 feet until on final just about scraped 800 feet over the dome
final does extend past the dome doesn't it? And yes it probably is to do with the mode c. BTW, what are you doing with your head down :eek: on that scope any way....? Shouldn't you be looking out?

I'll be on your turf next thursday late shift (3*5,etc) could i have 10 for departure????? :D :D

[Expedite your backtrack!]

Pointer - As I may be plugged in on Thursday PM, the answer to your 10 departure is

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(unless the runway in use is 10 of course!)

Take some of your passengers off (although this may reduce your bonus, and you would have to stop eating caviar for a day or two - I know how much you pilots earn :D :D )
Or get them to stop eating all those Belgian chocolates and lose some weight!

[Steep Approach]

5.5 Degrees That's nothing.

Back in the bad old days when only Dash 7's and D0228's could operate, the G/S was 7.5 Degrees.

I once sat in the jumpseat of the the CAA Calibrator 748 aircraft once when it had to do the 'above path' checks on the Glidepath at a whopping NINE degrees. The view out the front just filled with ground!

[Pointer]

{Let's see if we can buy our selfs a one zero departure (ahead of the RTM offcourse)....}

"how about some choclates EYB ????????? :D :D "

Just watch me kiss the RWY thursday....o and if its a triple lndg....then its my copilot landing offcourse..!!!!! ;)

talk to you thursday.. RD in on thursday?

And 'Steep Approach'; history makes the approaches steeper and steeper and....
but we live it here and now! cheers bubba :D

[Expedite your backtrack!]

Choclates are never refused by ATC, especially the girls in the tower, however there's only so much choclates can buy, and a 10 departure in the rush hour isn't one of them! :rolleyes:

Keep your eyes peeled for the Dornier 328 Jet which should be making an appearance tomorrow and the day after. Should be interesting trying to slow it down on the 5.5 approach.

ps, Steep approach is always exagerating numbers. Only the other day I heard him telling Amanda in the canteen about his 9 inch.................................

[ 27 August 2001: Message edited by: Expedite your backtrack ]

[Steep Approach]

...90 degrees ILS Glidepath Phase Cable.


Get back to the 9:46 Euston to Birmingham on platform 3 EYB!

oh and pointer take a look at http://www.londoncityairways.co.uk

for some good nostalgia pictures.

[ 28 August 2001: Message edited by: Steep Approach ]

[Raw Data]

Jeez, go away for a few days to do an OPC and look what happens...

EYB, face it, we are the aces and you guys are the hired help. :D Bounce four times...ha! Haven't bounced it in yet, despite your dodgy wind reports!!! :D

By the way, we have a couple of little exercises we do in the sim, which it would be nice to try in real life. First is 09L at LHR to 10 at LCY in the quickest possible time- not climbing above 50 feet helps! The second is depart 28, do a steep turn around the Canary Wharf tower at about the 15th floor level, and back to land on 10 in the shortest possible time.

BTW you will need to get those inflatable rescue boats out for both of these exercises, as both usually involve ending up in the water... can you arrange that for us...???

I think it's about time you came for a fam flight... are you man enough...???

Pointer, sorry, days off thursday...

Wedge, wasn't me, sadly I no longer get to fly turboprops! I have been relegated to the 146. Ah well...

[Pointer]

the thing is RD; eventhough you 146 drivers bounce it in every other landing :D you're just not aware of the fact due to the 'pilot-fail-safe'lndg gear Har..Har..har :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

It should be intresting to see the little stucka's with duckted props come in, they'll probably will make it because its so small they have no problem stopping....? as long as they do a quicker departure to the platform as 'some' (RD i did say 'some' & not 'all') 146's do ( i know you poor guys get hot brakes if you have to do it more than once :D )
I wouldn't mind trying one on for size!

Well let's see if the book has any suprisses and then i will bother you tomorow EYB :cool: :cool:

See ya

[Expedite your backtrack!]

Steep Approach - It isn't me! :p

You've got the wrong guy - honest guv.

ps. Pointer - Thanks for the chocolates, my wife really enjoyed them! :eek:

All bribes are gratefully accepted - after all, we have just been privatised, so we had better get used to the commercial pressures in the real world.

[ 30 August 2001: Message edited by: Expedite your backtrack ]
:cool: :cool:

[ 30 August 2001: Message edited by: Expedite your backtrack ]

[Pointer]

EYB, you did read the sticker on the back of each chocolate????

it says;"thru consumtion of this chocolate you accept the argeement that a the donator is given priority on the appraoch even if RD has to hover and a 10 departure will be granted with out delay"

:D You never knew all this would fit on the back of a chocolate he? :D

so after last night you were allowed to eat two!!! :cool: :cool:

it was nice meeting a ground hugging colleage, I'll be talking to you.

(RD, did you know EYB calls you an little obscure guy?? ;) )

[Raw Data]

Does he now? Sounds like it's time for a few "don't rush, admire the view" backtracks... :D :D :D

[Expedite your backtrack!]

RD- I wouldn't believe anything a low country person (Belgian/Dutch - they're all the same)tells you. They are most untrustworthy in my experience!

Anyway, with you in a 146, would I notice the difference between your fast and slow backtracks :D :D :D

Pointer - my goodwill (and therefore 10 departures) only last as long as the chocolates do :p

Here's to co-operation (or else JEA*** go-around I say again go-around acknowledge!)

[Steep Approach]

...EYB now frantically reads the staff manual to see how many sins he has committed!! :eek: :eek: :confused:

[Raw Data]

EYB old chap... my fast backtracks are 40kts, my slow ones 35... (wonderful stuff, GPS...) :D :D :D

[Pointer]

RD, me think you mistaken a digit :p or do you still have analog indicators for that :D ?? and yes we do distort the truth to our favor once in a while but atleast WEadmit it!

How's our bash getting allong? me thursty!

EYB, thanks for the eccelent service the other day; as well for out LUX bound colleagues i heard, welldeserved chocy's, you will pass the around the office(V-males) as prommised?

maybe i'll be back nxt wk....then again maybe not :rolleyes:

[Raw Data]

Well yes I have mistaken my digits, still can't really admit to taxiing at 400 kts can I..??? :D

At least we get a move on, more than can be said for those Lufty pilots... "Ja, ve expedite, ve can get there by tommorrow..." ;)

[Pointer]

Ha.Ha.Ha RD, not in your dreams. :p ...i've seen more than once that you 146 drivers had to delay departure(and even vacate the RWY28!!) because your brake temp was to high. What is the avarage temp you guy's use any way.. this is quite new to me...and what is too hot? does that give you a weight penalty?

:cool:

[Raw Data]

Sounds like a clear case of brake abuse to me- or inop brake fans. The brakes can get up around 700C if you really hammer them, but that is not really a big problem at LCY. The brake fans work reasonably well, and there shouldn't really be a problem on a 30 minute turnaround. I have arrived at MLW and still not got the brakes past 400C- the key is one firm, even application, not constantly modulating them on and off. Brake temp guage can be a little unreliable at times. We usually let them cool to below 250C before takeoff (in case we have to abort, who needs a brake fire???) Of course just going off the end would solve the brake fire problem...!!!

[Pointer]

yep but than you would be cooling a bit more than needed. I gues your hosty's look great in wet t-shirts?

[brockenspectre]

Just wanted to decloak and let all you LCYers know that I think of myself as an "honorary" LCYer having worked for many years at Canary Wharf (not the tower but one ofthe other main buildings) and been lucky enough to fly on business out of LCY to Sweden and a couple of cities in Switzerland! I have, as "just" a PPL, also been lucky enough to hang either in or near the flight-deck for landings! I particularly loved making the approach over my own office into LCY (on 10)..the approach was brilliant..like real flying. Also the Flying Club I belong to has appeared at the LCY "Air Day" and for the first one I was lucky enough to marshall the Spitfire and other taildraggy types! Probably the first and last time I will be a marshall at LCY YAY!!!! A kewl day!

These days I work as a sales consultant for a tour operator specialising in air fares and vacations to USA/Canada but still live near enough LCY to see the occasional aircraft :)

Oh, and if I really am making a full confession here, I have to say that when getting my PPL I bought an airband radio (which I call my "sad bast**d radio") to practise listening to real radio as the strip where I was learning merely had a radio service and as I commuted by car to Canary Wharf I often listened in to Thames and LCY tower as I sat in the traffic queue heading for the Blackwall Tunnel!

Sorry folks...as someone way too short-sighted to have had a career as a pilot I suppose I am just a groupie!

:D

[Raw Data]

Well, with that CV, I think you qualify as an honorary LCY bod!

BTW, are you SURE that you are too short-sighted to fly for money? I have flown with three people now who didn't pursue a career in aviation until later in life, because they mistakenly thought their eyes weren't good enough...

More to the point, can you get us cheap flights...??? :D :D :D

[Pointer]

more important; can you get us cheap stay's? we'll make you Super dooper HonoraryLCY bod in that case!

RD, don't you get cheap flights?????? i've been with several ID00 tickets!

BTW, brockenspectre, i'm a bit near sighted so yes it can be done! Off course i mean Physicaly fellas! :cool:

[Expedite your backtrack!]

Its good to know that somebody listens to us in the tower - since the pilots clearly don't :mad:

Next Scotair pilot to winge about being delayed, when he is number 8 for start gets a free swim in the dock! :eek: :eek:

Come to think of it, next pilot to winge on my frequency gets banished for ever (and that means no more 10 departures Pointer).

As you might have guessed I had fun again last night!

[Pointer]

What happend...ate to much choclate??

[brockenspectre]

Thank you for appointing me Honorary LCYer!! Unfortunately my eyesight is -6/-6.5 so was even on the margin for a PPL medical!! Alas I doubt I can become a Sooper Dooper Honorary as I live in Bromley, Kent...on the edge of any approach you guys should be making! A couple of times walking my dog in Beckenham Place Park one of you LCY pilot-types have been seen to be doing a low-level "queue" for LCY, much to my delight and the slight consternation of other walkers/golfers!! (Beckenham Place Park is Europe's best public golf course if anyone is a fanatic and about a 30min drive from LCY).

Oh and as for listening to ATC - EYB of COURSE I would listen even if I were a pilot ::smiling ingratiatingly:: hehehehe

[brockenspectre]

Re cheap flights to USA/Canada

Raw Data well, immediate friends and family are entitled to a 15% discount where I now work but the regular fares to all destinations in US/Canada/Hawaii are very good. As a fellow PPRuNer I would go out on a limb and ask if I might have a discount BUT I would use my discretion on that!

The airlines my company uses are DL, CO, BA, VS, UA, AA and of course we are relatively restricted in the fare classes we contract - mostly Q (or equiv) with one economy sell-up.

But..for example, (with discount) I just priced up my brother a fare to Houston with UA from LHR at £296 INCLUDING passenger duties/taxes...

Best packages we have, to my mind, are those to Hawaii and to Florida. Having been a travel agent for a year before joining this tour operator (but using the TO products) I am stunned that my new company can price a Florida vacation, flying with VS, including car/insurance at LESS the cost of a similar vacation in Majorca!!!!!!!

Anyway..enough chatting about work, this is my day off!!

:D

[Raw Data]

EYB, you definitely need to de-stress. Why not come jumpseating for us on our next Innsbruck approach, that'll sort your nerves out...!!!

BrokenSpectre... you are the man! OK, everyone be real nice to BS now... :D :D

[brockenspectre]

To keep this Tech - what is the most challenging part of an approach to LCY? Do the "city in Docklands" buildings create extra bubble on the approach to 10?

Back to the thread ... Raw Data I am happy that you should think I am "da man" but hope that such a name will transcend sexuality hehehehe I am "da woman" in fact LOL (LOL=laughing out loud in netspeak). I am assuming you weren't being sarcastic - that is the problem with written words on the internet, you can never really tell!

Guess I went overboard about speaking about my job huh? Sorry...

:D

[Pointer]

brockenspectre;

Nobody went overboard, that would be a nasty thing to do in an airplane! plus at LCY they have to crawl in theyre dingie :D

The hard part is lndg 10 with wind out the south. the buildings give the wind a rolling motion and therefore you never no were the wind is, tail, cross, head, top or bottom etc. so until you gently slam on the brakes your flying, if you intended or not! :D

as for the gender thing....man of al gender are allowed! ;)

[swashplate]

I thought LOL was Lots of Love?

[Raw Data]

Brokenspectre- I was speaking in the strictly generic sense. How about "you da person"? :D :D

Ignore what Pointer says, he is just trying to explain away those deep impacts he calls landings (assuming he is a "he" of course). :D ;)

The hardest part is when landing on 10, trying to get a good look at the changing of the Guard at Buck Palace, whilst turning finals, dropping some flap, and trying to spot the helicopter that just popped up on TCAS...

The other hardest thing is getting the marshallers to use universally approved signals, and getting the ground power on stand 3 to stay connected...

:D :D :D

[Expedite your backtrack!]

RD - what are you saying about the quality of Traffic Info that we give you? We always tell you roughly where the helis are (give or take a mile/1000feet). Trust us, that's what we are (very poorly) paid for :p

As for Pointers landings, they are indeed very smooth! In fact he sometimes manages to float 3/4 of the way down the runway before finally making contact with mother earth - smoothly of course so that the passengers don't feel a thing. That is until they pull 7g braking to a stop in the remaining 1/4 of runway. Its known as the "VLM - floaty, floaty" technique. Unlike 146s which seem to have an undercarriage compression competition with each other, to see who can hit the bump stops the hardest (although I am pretty sure that Aer Fungus always win that one!)

:D :D :D

[brockenspectre]

raw data k you forgiven forget "you da person" I would rather be "you da man" OK? hehehe none of that political correct nonsense around me!

EYB hehehehe I like "VLM floaty floaty" a technique I attempted while trying to complete PPL and even saw while waiting at LCY for a flight to Bern - I was assuming the flight deck had seen the water all around LOL

swashplate sorry to disappoint you, but in regular netspeak LOL=Laughing Out Loud...maybe someone else wants it to be Lots Of Love of you but that would be a personal thang!!

For those of you flying into LCY using a Dover approach may I kindly suggest you spend a couple second, just beyond Ashford in Kent, to tune in to 122.00, when you might hear the parachuting and aerobatic exploits going on underneat you at Headcorn Aerodrome. I know the Crossair crew were amazed when we went overhead (I was hanging near flight-deck at time) and told em to quickly tune-in...home of The Tiger Club (http://www.tigerclub.co.uk) and great parachuting (if you think it OK to leap out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft)!!!

:D

[Pointer]

Ok :mad: :mad: :mad: no more floaty nonsens. i only use 2/3 off the runway when A) 28 is in use and seeing that the only stand avail. is 10 (yes, to accomadate you EYB!)
B) when there is a crosshair on the rwy trying to find the right exit with less than 2 miles to go!(getting this close i keep the speed up a little for a GA, wouldn't be the first time!!! :D )
and when doing the fifth of my six legs that day, trying to let a junior fo make a ldg!


and yes EYB we have a real A/C with traditional gear, it takes more skill to please the PAX ;)

And gents (of all gender) it is a :p pleasure :p as always

[ 07 September 2001: Message edited by: Pointer ]

[Raw Data]

EYB- it isn't you that worries me (well, you do, but for different reasons...!!!), it those wussies in Thames Radar. I've had two "TCAS Climbs" in the last three weeks... one of these days we'll tangle with a LHR-bound heavy, then there will tears (not to mention lots of paperwork).

As I'm getting sick of being number seven for start, can I suggest we start a new system of start queueing... I vote that the airline operating the most seats into LCY gets preference at all times...

Also, can I get my name painted on stand 1, that is MY stand and I don't wan't you parking Dorniers on it...!!! :D :D :D

[Pointer]

Raw Data you don't mean you were having to wait on a rubens ???? shame on EYB!

stand one is yours for my sake. EYB can i put in for stand four than? i'd like my name in gold letters pls. :D

[Expedite your backtrack!]

RD - Thames controllers are a law unto themselves. A lot of them are also Heathrow Tower guys. Say no more!

Do Bealine fly to Insbruck? If so, book me onto the first spare jumpseat. I have only ever experienced the approach on my computer (several 1000 times), but I have been to the airport and it is very different. (there is also a nice alpine zoo on the little hill next to the runway - but thats a differnt story).

Pointer - I apologise for the unintended insult about floaty landings. I do sympathise, after all, it can't be easy flying an aircraft which outlived the cold war. Long live Rekkof! I look forward to you cartwheeling down the runway in your F70s when you get them. I believe the French flew them in for a short while, but scared the s*** out of themselves and us, and gave up.

Will you still be able to backtrack and depart in a 4 mile gap?

[Pointer]

EYB i guess non intended isult was spread and like :D always :D no taken. If its about insults, i don't take those things too serious! (Thick skin among other parts)

Do you know the fella that's with (or was) Themse; "Fox in sox" i haven't seen him on PPrune lately (for a long time now) seems he was with them?

And why get up set the other day?

And for the 4miles, yes could be done depending how cool the guy stays on app? offcourse don't exect me to do that with full load and weather permitting! but yes.

i'll be on your turf tomorow around 1400

[brockenspectre]

The new "tracks" to LCY must pose new challenges - what are these?

Events of past days have totally shocked, horrified, upset and angered me - my days of "hanging near the flightdeck" on the way to anyway is probably something of the past...

How are y'all doing? :)

[Raw Data]

Well, how much longer are we going to have to endure these ridiculous security "enhancements" at LCY?

None of the measures I have seen are even remotely sensible. Why post a "guard" (ie cabin crew member) at the foot of the steps? The ramp is either secure or it isn't. If it isn't, the airport authority isn't doing its job and should sort themselves out. If it IS secure, the "guard" is superfluous. What are we guarding against, anyway? As it is clearly not possible for a single guard at the bottom of the steps to see the hold doors and other access points, the whole thing is a giant waste of time.

Just about as bad is the confusion over what documentation the DETR require us to sign with regard to security checks. This morning, the only thing that was clear was that nobody knew what the hell was supposed to be happening. Everybody running around trying to cover their backsides, resultant security value: nil.

It is about time somebody got a grip and did something that is actually effective. The fact that we dropped the City avoidance tracks so quickly is a clear indication of the risk assessment.

I'm all for security, but only when based on sound and rational thinking. The current situation is so disorganised as to be a joke.

Sorry to rant, but I'm getting sick of this sort of thing- what do the rest of you think??

[Pointer]

RD well said, every last word!!!!

I fully agree with you, however my airline mngmnt is of the same level of IQ. they are all to keen to bend over.

The most increadible thing is that we need some one to stand outside! and gaurd against what? The sting is stronger at our corner since more than 50% of our crew didn't even get an over coat to go with the uniform! (deemd not nessecery)

And for the extra paper work.....its written CYA all over!

[Raw Data]

Latest nonsense... now our C/A have to inspect and break seals on catering vehicles, and then sign a document. Nobody is able to explain why this is necessary.

We had a "security" person (probably a DETR inspector) come leaping up the steps of the aircraft after we were fully boarded and waiting for a loadsheet, wave his ID around and then imply that he has spotted some sort of security lapse because he was able to get to the top of the steps unchallenged. this is mind-numbing stupidity...

[Expedite your backtrack!]

RD - You've finally figured British politics (especially since President Blair gained power). It doesn't matter what you do, or how pointless it is, as long as your are seen to be doing something so that the public are impressed and re-elect you. In the meantime, the country falls apart and chaos rules what used to be orderly and well thought out! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

On a lighter note, did anyone see a certain BE 146 fly a visual approach to 3 miles on 28 yesterday. Very impressive (although Steep approach was standing next to me in the tower at the time and pointed out, that you flew slightly through the centre line before managing to establish ;) ;) ;) )

[Pointer]

well gents sorry to say that security dork is not unique! i've had that same deal two years back in germany. so it's not so much national as more proffesionally linked...the un-proffesionality i mean ....ehhh.

Well i'm off to experience it my self in just a few hours time so...go go gaget arms!

Pointer

[Steep Approach]

LCY Security should have searched EYB's little Lufthansa Handbag a couple of weeks ago...

...COS IT WAS BANG FULL OF CHOCOLATES!!!

NOT ONE , I repeat NOT ONE passed the lips or even the eyes of his colleagues.

May he be severely dazzled by the foil all over his bedroom floor. I bet he was one of those kids at school who could open a packet of chewing gum inside his pocket without it seeing daylight!

[Raw Data]

Well, EYB, I'd just like to point out that as you are not on the centerline, you are in no position to judge!!! ;)

Those chocolates are probably Pointers bribe to get him Stand Three. No problem, just make sure we get Stand One and everybody will be happy...

BTW, if anyone sees one of these DLTR t@ssers around the place, send them over to my 146, I have a bone to pick with them.

Now, on a sadder note, you won't be seeing our EDI aircraft for a while (or me). Reason is, we have picked up some Gill routes and the EDI 146 is being re-deployed to NCL for 6 weeks or so... our services will be operated by Titan. Scary stuff...

[Expedite your backtrack!]

The chocolates were a present to my highly pregnant wife who has a chocolate craving right now (especially ones filled with alcohol).

Talking about alcohol, since my German hating colleagues weren't too proud to steal all the German beer and wine that the friendly Luftwaffe crew bought up for me (after lots of effort by me to greet them with pleasantries in their mother tongue)I am entitled to a few chocies.

After all steep approach not one, I say again not one beer passed my lips :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

RD - we have this great gadget called an Air Traffic Monitor (Radar type thing) to judge how far you fly through the centre line :D :D

Hope you make it back soon, not to keen on titan, they don't know the meaning of the word expedite.

[DustyFields]

It has been most amusing reading the threads from the last 4 pages. It is good to seem some things never change.

Excellent approaches that bring real excitement and a challenge. I remember the hurricane that passed through in 1990 and taking over 20 minutes to go from Tilbury to the TOD. Seeing captains taking out landing lights and people landing at the first turn off on 28.

The security is still the same as we experienced during the Gulf War with drunks able to get on the aircraft and sleep but you cannot get a stolen hotel dressing gown through customs.

Actually doing the 09L to 10 flight for real!! The sightseeing was the best ride I have ever had of London.

Finally you must let me know if the compasses still need to be aligned every flight because of all the metal in the dockyard!!!

Don't stop the thread but do remember the approach has never been as exciting as it was in the real days when it was set at 7.5 degrees!!

It is always good to hear that there are success stories when so may people said it would never work. From a family that has seen the docks as a source of work for three generations in both the shipping and aviation industries good luck to you all.

Dusty

[fly4fud]

EYB, flew the steep app (870M/84N) this very morning. Then embarrassed myself with your colleague in the twr, thought it was you and had already set about 2kg real SWISS CHOCOLATE aside to bring upstairs ;)

Well, another time maybe, take care :cool:

[spagiola]

Are the flight restrictions imposed at LCY after Sept 11 still in place?

[Pointer]

Negative, did the "big ben/towerbridge" app the other day. Great view!

[Expedite your backtrack!]

F4F, I was working this morning, and my colleague did say that my name was mentioned. You must have just missed me.

Do you really fly chocolates on your planes? I always thought they were loaded up with gold bullion.

Speak to you next time.

Must go, I have a Ryanair flight to Luebeck to catch. A bargain at £4.50 each way, and you get to ride on a classic aircraft (last time a 1970s 737 complete with South African Seat Belt signs down one aisle, and German down the other).

[fly4fud]

EYB, yeah well we fly the chocolate (no more Swiss knifes :o ) on the way in. We get rid of those thru various way, amongst others: pax, ATC, cleaners, KGS, etc ;)
Then for the return flight we load the gold. You may have noticed the waterline on your beaches and the shores of the Thames getting lower, this is the very reason :D :D