Originally Posted by
planedrive
@Crispo - most pilots I know will wait for the 'latest' ATIS at xx20 or xx50 before getting weather/making their first call. The fact that ground/delivery opening doesn't coincide with this therefore means theres often 20-30 minutes where they won't expect a new ATIS with a different frequency and hence call on the wrong one. Perhaps moving opening 10 minutes would save a lot of hassle?
The Metar is at 20-50, all other pertinent changes like weather species, RWY in use, RWY surface state, Unservicabilities and frequencies are all updated on ATIS as they occur, thats why you will sometimes get multiple ATIS letter changes in succession. The ATIS reflects the frequency to call as soon as it is opened. Listen to ATIS, then call.
The Times at Luton as Scrotchison said are normally, TWR 2300L till 0600L, GMC at 0600L, then Delivery at 0630L if workload requires it. Sometimes Delivery will be opened earlier or later, sometimes not at all. Yes people make mistakes or are hurried, understandable and sometimes a few erroneous calls are made. Today for example i had one call for clearance with the a/c type etc etc on Air at 0930L, delivery had been open since 0630L and on the ATIS.