So, if available human resources cannot support the full Thames Radar/SVFR manpower requirement (for whatever reason - and I suggest unusual levels of sickness is a perfectly valid reason), then SVFR will be the one to go - not because of who is paying for the service - but because the CAA says so.
What do you do when 50% of the formerly SVFR flights pitch up at the zone boundary and request an IFR entry on the heli lane?
Must remember the old SVFR shall not hinder IFR..........R22 ahead as we approach the Bagshott.........we are faster and thus by asking for IFR, the R22 has to get out of our way. Love it.
The thing that is overlooked when saying Thames is contracted to etc etc. Heathrow Approach ATC is required to provide the service in the CTR. SVFR is simply a split in the sector.........just like final etc. The dedicated frequency removed R/T from the other busy frequencies. If there is not enough people to do the split then what remains still has the responsibility for providing all services within the CTR.
The thing that limits SVFR i.e. it is at the discretion of ATC is no different if there are suficient ATCOs or not.
Don't want to be limited by SVFR then go IFR. End of. Can't go IFR then bad luck because class A is for IFR and there lies the issue.
Regards,
DFC