HM: Thanks for your reasoned reply. To go into it further would only be discussing semantics.
Very interesting that you say you've never had an ATCO on the jumpseat. Aside from the smirk at the double entendre, I would suggest that this might have something to do with the difficulty I at least have encountered in getting on board on a fam flight: First I have to get past Jobsworth No.1 at Check-In who insists I, with my stand-by ticket, can't go through until all firm passengers have checked in and there is a seat for me, despite assurances that I will be using the seat behind the newly armoured door. Having negotiated that, I then have to persuade Jobsworth No.2 at the gate to talk to Jobsworth No.3 (Despatcher) to go and talk to the Purser to talk to the Captain to see whether I can come aboard. The Captain knows nothing about me and is quite likely to refuse, or maybe say check again when we're in the cruise. The majority of the value in terms of seeing the preflight briefings and preparation are lost, and it is in danger of becoming no more than a jolly to sunny climes with a good view out of the window. (Nothing wrong with that in itself, but hardly what is intended). If you come to LATCC, you will be met at the gate, escorted round, probably given lunch, and maybe chance to plug in on a sector or even a go in the sim before returning to check whether your car has been torched in the neighbouring housing estate.
But I digress.
I appreciate much of what you say, HM, but having just sat through a morning at LATCC I lost count of the number of times traffic which was coordinated by a neighbouring ACC as on a heading due to slower traffic ahead at or above its present level failed to report the fact on first contact. R/T time was wasted in checking that they were indeed on a heading:"Oh sorry, yes we are" came the reply. It's not a luxury, it is what guarantees your separation and keeps our heart rate down, as we have already agreed. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I would suggest that passing FL200+ some 15 mins after departure is not the busiest of flight phases.
And another thing: If you are not RVSM compliant and you are at or above FL290 in UK UIR, PLEASE report it on first contact with EACH new sector while you are at or are cleared to levels above FL280. It is another separation issue.
For the EMB135/145 drivers: You can request above FL280 if you are not compliant and we will try and fit you in if we can. Just let us know ASAP so we can do the necessary coordination. Non-compliance does not necessarily restrict you to FL280 and below, traffic does.
Hope this helps.
[ 17 November 2001: Message edited by: eyeinthesky ]