Level busts - quantity / order of ATC instructions
Hi
The subject of level busts is never far away from any of us. We have recently been discussing it at our company and considering how mistakes can happen.
One area that I have always thought was a POTENTIAL cause for problems is the quantity and order of ATC instructions that are given in a single transmission.
For those of you controlling us, is there any limit on how many instructions can be given at one?
"Jersey 345, turn right heading 080 degrees, climb flight level 70,speed maximum 250 Kts. Contact solent radar 120.225" Is this seen as a goog amount of information to transmit in one package?
What about if you are descending an aircraft to it's first altitude and so need to transmit the local QNH?
Is there any written guidance on this, or is it down to professional judgement on your part?
Secondly, is there any prescribed order that instructions should be braodcast in? This may sound like an odd query, but I know that my company tells us to set the cleared level in the autopilot before setiing any heading / direct to or speed clearances. This is because level busts are rightly seen as so dangerous. However, since receiving this advice I have noticed that "laterlal" clearances are always given before "vertical clearances". As I said earlier, I have been wondering whether this order is in accordance with some ATC regulations or merely custom.
Any comments on this gratefully received.
All the best.