Hi everybody,
Iīm one of the already mentioned "170 to the marker " controllers from Germany.
So far Iīve read through most of the thread and found it very interesting to read about all the common practices around the world.
But I didnīt really understand all the fuss about it.
If you get a speed, stick to it. If the assigned speed is not conform with your procedures tell us.
If you recieve a descent restriction which is far beyond the aerodynamical capabilities of you plane you also tell atc, donīt you?
So when it comes to speed control the same procedure should be applied.
My point of view regarding speed control is as follows:
E.g., I assign minimum clean to a flight on downwind, turn them onto dogleg and expect the pilots to tell me when they need to reduce according to their speed shedule. Every controller knows that a plane canīt keep 210 or so to short final unless itīs happy hour and they like to go for a second try.
Controllers simply canīt know all the speeds.
Iīm working the approach for Cologne/Bonn home of two german LCC. Having two flights of one Company on final, same type. The first one has his bus parked at 12 NM, the otherone passes the FAF at 230kts.
So my message is (though I found the discussion extremey interesting) tell us when you need to reduce.
Cheers
Markus