ATC Instructions
Winemaker ~ suggestions to the anomalies which you ask about
I have posted other answers to questions raised on this thread trying to explain the relationship between the crew and ATC. On another thread an Italian B.737 at Bristol UK was instructed to G/A as the approach was unstable (decidedly “iffy”). As usual, the UK AAIB left “no stone unturned”.
So taking each of your points in turn:
1. Within controlled airspace, radar control applies and in essence the crew complies with ATC instructions, unless it is not safe to do so, or a new accord is reached. A new radar heading towards a thunderstorm would be declined. Ultimately it is aircraft commander in charge, not ATC.
I have ignored TCAS protocols.
2. Without reading the transcripts I cannot be certain, but the new heading 180° to fly was an instruction, which the aircraft commander foolishly declined ~ the aircraft had established on the localiser.
He cannot just ignore ATC instructions. He needs to explain why ~ in this case established on the localiser.
See my recent post about the boy scout and the ‘old dear’ crossing the road concept.
3. Yes, ATC should have perfect knowledge (situational awareness) as to what is occurring. I don’t think there was any conflicting traffic in this case?
What approach radar observed was the aircraft too high and too fast on the approach, and recognising this gave a delaying manoeuvre instruction (new heading 180°).
If a sooner intervention has occurred before localiser established, then I suspect that there would have been a greater chance of compliance with the ATC instruction. Pure speculation on my part.
4. Now comes the delicate bit. Sensitive areas. In common with all parts of the world, it is possible that “cultural aspects” played a part in these events.
5. What is a mystery at present ~ why the crew continued what was an extremely unstable approach and didn’t G/A no later than 1000’RA ? Interim report due to be published 22 June.
There is enough material for a complete conference for psychologists who specialise in CRM, & those who teach it to crews & junior birdmen. An interesting topic for TRUCE for the ATCOs?
Last edited by parkfell; 13th Jun 2020 at 17:01.
Reason: TCAS sentence