To be constructive, it would help if there was a bit more cooperation, after all we want to help keep things moving 'cos we don't like delays. Then we are asked to keep fuel burn down so we try balance common sense with prudence. Then ATC ask us to do something which creates MCDU workload in the descent - I know I can 'wing it' but it is simply not the way we are taught to operate in a modern glass cockpit.
I would dearly like to take more ATC folks on Fam flights, we can offer it at MAN, I know the constraints - has to be a day off etc - another problem to be overcome.
A final comment, for the moment. Came back into MAN yesterday, medium weight - about 160 tonnes, high speed as approved, stopped at various levels then cleared down to FL70 by DANE, normal inbound speed. When I said not possible, I was politely challenged, we nearly did it with full speed brake all the way and about 270kts.
Let's all work together then we can really enjoy
