View Full Version : VS074 MCO-MAN - 28th April YQX & DUB Diversions
BillTheCoach
1st May 2011, 18:42
Can anyone shed any light on G-VTOP's diversions to YQX for a medical divert and then again for a medical divert(?) into DUB?
Was a second FD crew added at DUB? Did they dead head from MAN or LGW/LHR?
There are pics on other sites showing a fuel tanker at port wing with the L4 door open. Would this be normal to have this door open if fuelling operations are being undertaken?
spannersatcx
1st May 2011, 20:02
Diverted to Gander for medical emergency, then had to stop at DUB as the crew were out of hours, new crew were waiting, bit of a splash and dash on to MAN.
BillTheCoach
1st May 2011, 22:28
The pic here Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 G-VTOP | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38016434@N05/5666699674/) suggests more than just a flight deck crew change?
Why did the medical divert put the crew out of hours? Could the FD not have gone discretionary to get them back to MAN?
Why did the medical divert put the crew out of hours? Could the FD not have gone discretionary to get them back to MAN
But even commander's discretion has a (legal) limit. If the diversion into Gander involved turning back from over the Atlantic it's quite possible the "FD" would have needed discretion just to get as far as DUB.
spannersatcx
2nd May 2011, 08:15
They were on the ground longer than expected in Gander and subsequently ran out of hours, but as it was known in advance VS were able to postion a crew in DUB for a speedy turn there.
2 man crew, not sure what the hours limit is, approx 8hr flt, +90 mins before the flt, +90 mins due already overflown Gander and had to turn back, +120mins on the ground in Gander, turns into a very long day. If they could of gone all the way to MAN they would of.
The fire engine is in attendance as the a/c is being refuelled remote with 400+ pax onboard, standard safety precaution.
TightSlot
2nd May 2011, 09:51
BillTheCoach
The maximum number of hours that the Flight Crew can operate is based in part on the number of sectors (i.e. take-off/landing) involved. The greater the number of sectors, the shorter the more restrictive the maximum. Since a diversion involves an additional sector, hence the greater restriction.
As explained, there is a maximum legal amount of discretion that can be applied (UK - 3 hours): Use of discretion above 2 hours requires explanation to the UK CAA and a very good reason. - i.e. a better reason than "We wanted to get home".
Given the significant expense involved in diversion and recovery, you may be assured that VS would have taken all available measures to avoid it.
BillTheCoach
2nd May 2011, 10:11
Many thanks guys for clarifying the situation - as someone who used to spend all his time dealing with the repercussions of diversions I know well how much they cost.
As far as I know they did have to turn back to Gander so like most things involving delays and diversions, time just creeps on relentlessly.
Well done to the crew for dealing with the emergencies and to VS Ops for having a FD in Dublin waiting for them so delay was minimised as they did the "splash & dash" for Manchester.