Originally Posted by
Beer Baron
Also it depends on your aircraft weight on the day. Your ideal approach speed could vary by 20kts or more so a restriction that is achievable one day may not be the next.
I detail that many people (namely ATC) don't think of, or not aware of, but that makes a difference in this game of pushing airport operations to the limit of capacity.
That 330 is carrying 150 pax, or is it carrying 260 pax ???
Had an occasion of being in approach in a turboprop in between 2 A330s, and at one point I was told by ATC that I was 4.2 nm behind the 330 in front. Way to close for confort, and was asked by ATC what I wanted to do ...
Was able to increase separation a bit and continued approach, landed, and was able to vacate promptly at the first possible exit which is some 600 or 700 meters after touchdown (I knew that the other 330 was behind me). As I was about to be almost completely out of the runway, ATC ordered to second 330 to go around.
Needless to say, the first 330 was a bit light on that day, and its approach speed was on the low side.