Originally Posted by
Eric T Cartman
Used it occasionally at Prestwick in the 90's with BAe College PA34's for climb & descent, as one of the instructors was ex ATC & knew what it was about !
Heard a story from Preston Centre many,many moons ago - probably apochryphal - but to me typifies the great Aer Lingus spirit of days gone by :
On Blue 1 west of Wallasey, Shamrock reports a Bealine in sight & requests climb maintaining VMC, which is approved. Back comes a snooty Bealine : "Shamrock, how do you know that the aircraft you can see is me ?" , Quick as a flash, Shamrock replies " Bealine, how do you know the aircraft going through your level is me ?"
When PIK ATC took over from CAA in 1991(?) , RADAR services were somewhat depleted. Annie from KOI only knew approach procedural. Tim Timlett as ATC Manager. By 1992 RYR services commenced and radar was back and CAS removed.
The QFI was probably cygnet 66 (no.54 course)
Preston FIR ended January 1975.....?