And therein is the interesting thing. It's something I've done previously and would continue to do in the future. I will admit to enjoying the sport of staying low and out-dragging someone who was up in the jetstream (for same fuel) but alls fair in that regards. If we're all getting clobbered by turbulence though....different thing entirely and i'm more than happy to help out.
I did have mate tell a story the other day where they requested a wind and ride from 'another carrier' in front and higher going across the Bight to Perth and just about to drop out fo radar. Report came back as favourable winds and smooth. They climbed, other aircraft descened when they heard the climb. My colleague ended up in wnds which were 50-70 knots stronger (worse off) and continuous light to moderate turbulence. Unable to descend back to previous level (or other levels) due to other aircraft blocking them and now outside radar coverage and seperattion standards increasing. They wore it for a considerable amount of time whilst coordinating for other levels.
Anyway, glad our guys did the right thing in this regard. It ain't always like that and I do recall a time hearing it from an AN aircraft, asking the boss to get a clearance to descend so we could help each other out and the boss said 'stuff 'em'. I was astounded and even after another couple of goes at getting him to get a clearance he still wouldn't. I felt very small that day- smaller than I normally feel at my height!
