A NorthWest pilot the other day came out with the usual, 'LONDON, have you got time for a question..?'
A couple of calls later, I said....Go Ahead?
Out popped......'Do you British guys get paid by the number of headings you use, thats the rumour going round the USA?'
I obviosly said 'NO' which prompted the resposnse that '5 degree turns are really important to you then?' I tried to quickly explain the picture of 4 - 5 aircraft staggered across an 18 mile wide sector all climbing and descensing and this was why headings were required.
If I'd been quicker I would have asked, 'Do all American pilots get paid by the number of incorrect readbacks or repeated calls that are required of them' but only thought of that later.
An interesting concept, wonder what other beauties go through their minds on a 7 hour trans atlantic flight??
