blueloo,
In the UK we still have to provide separation between you on a visual approach, and the one behind you. Of course, not knowing how tight/wide you going to turn in, and what speed you'll do, makes it rather more complicated to get the correct spacing behind you. I've only ever worked at LHR tower, and to be honest the traffic is constant enough so that radar vectors with speed control mean that my Radar colleagues are hitting 2.5 miles constantly on approach. A few years ago a very expensive tool called Final Approach Spacing Tool (FAST) was developed which in essence told the final director when to turn an aircraft on to base and then again on to a closing heading, and what heading were needed (taking into account vortex spacing, and winds aloft). The performance never matched that of the usual 'human' method of experience and judgement.
GB, can you expand on your post? Although as I say I only work the Tower, I'd be interested in how you think we can perhaps improve the service.
