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Old 6th Feb 2007, 17:36
  #47 (permalink)  
Chilli Monster
 
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Sonnendec

If the standard of ATC at Barcelona (I speak as both an ATCO AND Corporate pilot) was up to scratch then dual language would not be a problem. However, it isn't, and they can't cope with it, so shouldn't be doing it. Unreasonable speed control requests, a belief that Vortex wake separation is is purely voluntary, not mandatory. Accent problems that cause real problems in ATC/Pilot comprehension (many of these people would NOT pass ICAO level 4, the minimum required - but I suspect that will be glossed over and they will be awarded it anyway so they keep their jobs).

This is not anti-Spanish, it's not xenophobic. You can fly to Germany, France, Holland, Belgium and feel safe. The same applies when I fly into Malaga - never have a problem there at all, very impressed with ATC. Fly to Barcelona, and the trust in the pilot / ATCO partnership is non existent - they are NOT up to the job.
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