hadagutful: "...it is an attempt at reform to enhance cost efficiencies without compromising safety."
ummm... on a daily basis, I'm watching A330's and B737's executing 90 degree right-hand turns at the last minute to avoid a TCAS Resolution Advisory in response to a close proximity C208 VFR parachuting aircraft (VH-OAI), operating in the vicinity of Brooklands dropzone near York on the approaches into Perth.
On each occasion, the aircraft add approximately 20NM to their track miles by the time they've regained track. I'm not a pilot, so, perhaps an A330 rated pilot could tell us all how many tonnes of fuel an A330 burns over 20NM at 300KTS at FL150 during descent to destination with the turn executed at, what was originally, 55 track miles to run...?
Ask QANTAS and Virgin Blue how much they're saving through "cost efficiencies" associated through NAS...
I think the emphasis should be on the word "cost" and not "efficiencies"...
