Originally Posted by
owenc
Why would a minor technical fault warrant a cruising speed of 120 mph 50 miles out?
120kts would almost certainly say to me a configuration issue, probably a flap limiting speed. Or a gear down speed. Hydraulic issue as noted by irish lad would probably indicate a flaps problem, plus brakes may be affected plus maybe steering. I suspect flaps were definitely down as any flap up landing means higher speeds and usually a precautionary divert to Aldergrove for the longer runway.