These initial levels form an important part of the Standing Agreement between Aberdeen and Scottish - enabling us to cut down on the amount of telephone co-ordination required whenever a flight departs. Just to clear up a few points here as far as ISZ/ABZ is concerned...
It applies to outbound 'Lonodn' flights only, everyone else is OK
It applies almost every flight departing here and routing via P600, W4D, W5D, P600D and a Class G route which crosses any of the above within 40 miles of Aberdeen.
Why not have SIDs at ABZ then for Airways deps ?? Problem solved.
It might solve the problem and is an option certainly, but given our varying IFR traffic mix anything from 120kt helicopters to fast jets and everthing in between, we could lose more flexibility than we gain.
Would SIDs introduce a Banding issue?
Don't think so. Other ATCO3/Band 2 units have them.
"After departure right turn direct GLESK, climb to altitude 4000', climb when instructed by radar FL80, RLCE FL280"
A bit more long winded than we actually issue. It goes "Cleared to (destination) via P600, maintain FL80, climb when instructed by radar FL280, squawk xxxx". Only two levels there - if we had to issue a level below FL80, for traffic reasons for example, this would be given just prior to departure. That aspect is not ideal, I know, and when combined with an immediate take off clearance or something is just not on - but we usually only issue a further level restriction when a heading is not an option.
If our clearances become a big problem for crew then no doubt it'll end up at my door
. These things have worked OK for a long time now - yes, there may be better ways, but is it a case of "not broke, don't fix it"?