Another area of concern within the FC world is the number of times RAS traffic takes avoiding action against OTA E operators.
It is understandable that the FJ mates are reluctant to accept coordination whilst in OTA E as it can be very restrictive and cause an issue with presentations. However, in order to meet the civvies half way, we often try to get the to keep their Newc - Abz RAS traffic east of P18 & in return, we try to keep the FJ mates west of the route. Unfortunately, sod's law seems to kick in far too often and will cause the merge to occur somewhere around the Boulmer area, feet wet and a little too close to Easyjet.
Avoiding actions are taken & the phones go mental. Easy if you're on the E3 as there are no phones!
I have to say that the guys at Newcastle are very, very helpful & SCATCC do try to keep their RAS traffic well out of the way. Unfortunately, the civvy operators want to travel A-B in a straight a line as possible for fuel conservation & are sometimes reluctant to comply.
Bottom line is that there is a lack of understanding amongst aircrew, or a different interpretation at least, of radar services & the restrictions that are put on us, both as aircrew & controllers.
Our worry, is that should this become a little too common, P18 will turn into Class A. Not a good solution for anyone other than the civvies.
