An issue at Blackpool Tonight
Hi
Was listening to ATC at Blackpool tonight since I'm staying over here tonight and heard the most bizarre yet funny conversation ive ever heard. Well i thought it was funny anyway.
Helicopter(Jet Ranger judging by background sound) was inbound to BLK from Preston(15miles east) and asked for join into BLK in the usual way. Think the Approach controller was a bit shocked bacause they got into a debate on freq about closing times. The time is 21.10 local. Cutting long story short, controller says we close at 9pm but you are welcome to come in but you will incur extension charges. Heli says how much with a laugh to his voice. Controller says dont know will find out. Ok says heli, controller says £150+VAT and its not what I do(or something along those lines). Heli was shocked and we go into silence. Heli then says are you still open.Controller repeats an earlier statement that yes we are but only by prior arrangement to IFR(or Ryanair) traffic.(sorry sound was bit distorted there). Heli has another chuckle, I would assume that was because they are open yet closed - get it!?! Controller after establishing contact with FR inbound says to heli to contact on another freq where they (shall we say) sorted it. Heli sounded not amused that for a private flight of the cost of landing was so high.
I know a bit about all the regulations/fire cover etc etc etc but the question is it seems a bit pathetic to cause so much hassle over a small helicopter on an inbound into BLK when you consider the FR flight always operates after 9pm. Is it the airport or local council regulations fault to cause this problem ie Why not open officially till 10pm say rather than through prior agreement. Surely FR wont be happy about this extra cost to a flight 7 days a week or is it a case of waivering costs for FR.
Just seemed a bit OTT to me or are they just the wonderful CAA regs we all love that ATC were following ?Anyway just wondered what you guys thought really.