Veloo, old boy, just got back. Anyway im only able to pick up the atis around 60nm out of PK and that at FL310. I think the wx in between has something to do with the range as well. Will check SZB on my next flt.
Yes, we do have ACARS, and we do get the wx of it as well, its usually a METAR or TAF. I believe the charges are fixed for as many wx reports we req, but it changes from year to year based on the number of request.
But honestly to think about it, when on the wide body into london, we only could get the atis something like 60-80 miles prior to top of decent, and mind u we were cruising in at FL380/400. So the atis range that was promised sounds about right, but in our enviroment maybe a litlle bit degraded, but for me personally its no big deal.
P.s, Never Call an ATCer the Devil.!
Liked the guy doing controlling on app on sat eve at 8. Was very good!
