LHR ATC - Please tell us that you've shut 09L!
Inbound to LHR the other night. Got the ATIS just before TOD. Landing 09L it said. NOTAMS say single runway ops from 2130. Started approach at 2100.
Get on director frequency, guy really stressed, I reported having recieved the info 'Romeo', no correction is made by them, not told which runway. High speed downwind, no delay, try to get ident, and get I-RR (27R). Query this with ATC and get sarcastic 'that's because it's 09R'. We're now turning base, having to change runway, go through the centreline and we end up high and fast. Not impressed.
Afterwards, ground told us that it that they allow the work to start earlier than 2130 if they can. Fine, but please tell us!
Mind you, I guess this episode did highlight to me how 'spoon-fed' we are going into LHR most times. I think it comes as a bit of a shock when you don't get the usual impeccible ATC at LHR!
[This message has been edited by Propellerhead (edited 02 May 2001).]