The purpose of this thread is purely to attempt a better understanding between pilots and ATC's in AUH, and hopefully result in a better relationship. The last thread which was removed had AUH unwillingly drawn into a battle and ripped to threads by the likes of Big MR and Buttiron. I hope these points I put forward help, and I look forward to hearing your views.
1. If there is no traffic to affect your descent into AUH, the following restrictions will prevent a continuos descent.
On the left hand downwind for Rwy31 there is noise abatement for the city (certain night times) and a palace (24hrs) which is GND to 6500'. Therefore the clearance is ususlly only to 7000'. Having past that there are airfields below with airspace up to 3000', so the descent to 4000' is issued. Once past that, there is a mast which allows us to decend you to 2200' until almost on the left base. Only then will you get 2000'.
2. The right hand downwind (when approaching from the west) would also be restrictive as you would have to cross the departure path.
3. From the East, Al Alin's airspace upper limit varies, and via co-ordination, we can drop you down to 130A and at the best of times to 70A, depending on the activity there.
4. LVP's are determined from official MET equipment which is displayed to ATC. This is querried when the info conflicts with what the tower ATC observes, however we are restricted to using official information. During LVP's there is a requirement of 20nms spacing on final.
5. Push back at your discretion. This is done for a number of reasons, mainly as the ATC can't see what is behind the aircraft. He will however not push two aircraft that will conflict, it is purely for apron movements.
6. On departure we are required to check your altimeter read out with our label, hence we ask if it has not been passed.
7. Speed restrictions, there are none in Class C airspace unless issued by ATC.
I would like to ask a few questions,
1. Why do some flights reduce speed early (on early downwind) to 220kts or less?
2. Why is it important to know your number in sequence?
3. Do you prefer a 'square circuit' ie one downwind heading, one base heading, and what is an ideal base turn, 5nms parallel with rwy?
4. Would you prefer clearance on start up or on taxi.
TMAg
