Luton Approach
LTN approach.
I am the only one these days who seems to be put onto the LLZ above the GS at Luton?
The problem seems to start when on a right base for 26.
Essex have handed us over to Luton with the speed at 220kts at 5000'. Then Luton tell us that we have 15 miles to run, to turn right xxx degs to establish, speed 180kts and descend 3000'. Particularly in a heavy A321 this just isn't going to happen without some serious intervention with the speedbrake or gear and then having to dive onto the GS. Especially bearing in mind that once we have been given the clearance it is more likely to be 14 to 13.5 miles to run.
Now I don't mind this happening occasionally but it now seems to be the norm. This is not the way we should be flying aeroplanes.
I have now taken to asking for more track miles rather than using the speedbrake/gear to get the height off. This request is often met with bewilderment by the Luton approach controller.
Also, a number of times recently I have had the situation when we are on right base a PPL has called up requesting a FIS. The controller then says "Standby" to the PPL, vectors and clears us onto the LLZ. Then he tells the PPL to pass his message which normally takes an age as we intercept the LLZ and watch the GS disappear through the floor because we can not get our "established" call in and cleared down with the glide.
Several times now I have phoned the SATCO for Luton approach, who always seems willing to hear my comments but these problems persist.
Now I know nothing in depth about ATC procedures etc, and I am sure that there is a good reason for these things to happen, this is not a personal attack on the abilities of the controllers themselves, I guess that it might be a problem with the procedures.
Anybody in the know care to comment?