Balix,
When that MP gets re-elected, I'll take £10 from you.
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10W
The IAA are just as privatised as NATS in that the Government holds the majority of the shares. However, it seems that the IAA system works and provides lower charges. You can see how the shares are distributed in the IAA act on the IAA website.
Lets look briefly at the N Sea, starting at NEW, direct ADN about 140nm and via haven, 185nm. 15 min difference in a turboprop give or take.
Now lets take your option of a route to EKCH via NEW. routing east over the N Sea gives about 510nm. Taking the route you propose is 750nm (assuming a direct from Klonn). That is a difference of over 1 hour. What ATC world do you live in? Obvously the one which is money hungry and likes as many revenue Kms as possible.
East of New is the D513 complex. D513 max alt is 10,000. Where is the problem with an ADR with an appropriate base above that? Perhaps insted of seeking excuses, solutions would be better.
If there was a solid block preventing traffic routing east of NEW then there would not be any. I know and you state that there is no block and traffic does route that way.
Perhaps this constant negative response is an indication of an unwillingness to provide a service at all.
Belfast TMA departures work Antrim sector frequency. With all that oceanic traffic routing via Irish Airspace then there would be no need for a SW and Central split leaving 1 controller (and 1 planner in theory) free for other radar duties.
The TMA can be re-organised and resectorised. Needs more people (as well as equipment) to make it really work though. The airspace is partly in the pipeline.
Remember freeing up a body, not only makes them available but it removes the requirement to train people for the position they vacated. It also remives the requirement to give them breaks or to cover their leave. every ATC position requires more than 1 person to operate a shift.
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I'll get DP to put a bag of salt on DMcC's desk.
Ah love letters in the salt.
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Seriously though, this whole load of whinging is showing the true colours of the people at ScOACC. If Shannon can do a better job then let them and let ScOACC get on with improving it's own back yard.
Perhaps the next time BA lays off a few people becuase of the constantly changing aviation industry. No stop there. BA are laying off people. Get a grip ScOACC.
Regards,
DFC