" No - it was not the requirement for descent on that flight."
From where do you get that statement, and how would you justify it??
It was certainly part of the briefing for the flight, a copy was found in the cockpit after the accident, so the crew certainly were aware of it.
"But in practice the airline disregarded those minimum altitudes, and in my opinion were justified in doing so."
Are you suggesting that an OPINION held by Justice Mahon is of more importance than the requirements of both the Company and the CAA??
"Contrary to what I think has been a public misconception over this altitude question, there was at no time on 28 November 1979 any unauthorised "low flying" by the crew of TE 901."
Once again, are you suggesting that the opinion of Justice Mahon, which incidentally could not be appealed, it was not a law court he was presiding over, is of more importance then the already mentioned many times,MANDATORY requirements for descent??
4. Descent to be co-ordinated with local radar control as they may have other traffic in the area.
As the flight was never identified on the radar, then this requirement obviously could not be complied with. As the controller did not know their position how could he advise them of anything?? This question of the responsibilities of McMurdo radar were very well covered in the court of US judge Harold Greene. None of his findings agreed with Mahons theories or opinions.
From that court.
" It is clearly established that, when the pilot told Mac Centre he wished to descend VMC, he effectively informed the controllers that he could see where he was going. In so doing, he took sole responsibility for separating the airplane from other aircraft and the terrain, and he was on his own."
Considerably different from your rendition of Mahons opinion that he was invited down by the controller.
"When Captain Collins accepted the invitation from the United States air traffic controller to descend to 1500 feet where he would find himself in clear air, and with unlimited visibility"
Last edited by prospector; 27th Jan 2008 at 08:12.