So what happens AFTER NERC "O" date?
....according to a letter from Rod Edington (BA) to Mr. Cheese & Ham NOTHING it's business as usual for the airlines. Indeed according to the BA exec:
[quote]the travelling public will not notice any difference <hr></blockquote>
Well, no, not if they think that two hour delays are the norm, they won't be aware that anything has altered, will they?
It still seems to me that the airlines, and airports that are in the London FIR, have not been fully appraised of the fact that WEF from 27th Jan 2002, Flow rates on all the Swanwick sectors will be CUT by 30% , for at least 10 days. The rates will not be raised for a considerable time thereafter. (Up to SIX WEEKS)
Currently (winter) traffic levels are low, but not such that they are less than 70% of Target sector flow. Even if they were, this would mean the retention of the restricted rates for a longer period.
It would be unwise to raise rates above the reduced levels until the sectors had been tested at that lower capacity . If they were raised, you might well end up with a situation where a sector was open to its full declared capacity, without ever being tested at, or near, that level for real. Not a safe situation.
Now, I am not being negative at about NERC/Swanwick or LACC, whatever you want to call it. It is a step in the right direction. But CAUTION NEEDS TO BE EXERCISED. Go too fast too soon and the wheels could fall off.
Comments?
Rgds BEX
A footnote. I've posted this here, rather than in the NATS forum as I believe the subject affects, and needs, a wider audience.