Firstly, this type of event DOES happen (I got caught out in unforecast conditions some years ago - similar scenario).
The only reason I can imagine for tea and biscuits is why he didn't continue and land regardless at MME.
I know there'll be lots of shock horror at this statement, but if a Mayday was imminent (approx 1250Kgs remaining total on a 733), would you really leave a mainstream airfield (CAT I only granted) with a serviceable runway at the end of an ILS ?
I wouldn't ! You might just find yourself in an even worse position 15 minutes later with absolutely NO OPTIONS whatsoever.
My brief to the guy on my right would have been "we are landing regardless - do you understand ?"
Last edited by AltFlaps; 16th Dec 2007 at 18:50.