Ruserious, constructive criticism is fine, and I actually agree that the term expedite is overused here, and waters down its importance for the times you really need it. What I took offence at was the couple of posts by the arrogant tossers belittling the traffic levels in Dubai. The number of aircraft per controller in this part of the world whether talking tower, approach or area, is a lot higher than in Europe and the US, and all this is being done with less advanced equipment at our disposal. I mean how many units in Europe operate these days without any automated conflict alerts, either short term or medium term. We have neither and won't have for probably at least 3 years. We usually have 1 planner available to be used between 4 positions, and if used means we work 2 1/2 hours on 1/2 hour off. Ask our European colleagues how their staffing levels compare. Our traffic levels are increasing at 10-15 % per year, and at the moment is nudging 1200 movements a day, and like our tower, approach and neighbouring FIR colleagues, we are seriously struggling to keep our head above water.
So again Ruserious the constructive criticism from you is duly noted, but the cheap misguided snipes from your colleagues is not. I am guessing these guys are the same ones that block the busy frequency wondering why they are not able to have the straight in runway for SHJ, or why there are delays into Dubai (Hello, it's 11.30pm on a Friday night, there are always delays!). We will try and stay sounding calm, if you guys agree to give us your level passing on first contact, meet ATC requirements, fly the speeds given and generally act in a professional manner. Thank you.
And Buller Boy, the efforts of the guys in Bahrain who try and help us out by getting DB landers abeam or under the over flyers is appreciated. We realise you guys are under the pump and as such can't always put things on a silver platter for us, but what you can do for us is appreciated. I hope most of the UAE guys try and recipricate by putting Bahrain landers under or abeam the overflyers when they can. I know unless the traffic is going off, I try as best I can to help you guys out. Of course a change in prcedures with parallel tracks through BALUS and TUGOS, to split landers from overflyers would be even better but thats another topic. Cheers.
Last edited by AirNoServicesAustralia; 29th April 2006 at 12:59.