If the experience with Stansted (now Essex) radar is anything to go by, it seems the days of zone transits are numbered now that Luton Approach are integrated into LATCC. Far too busy to let bug smashers get in the way of the vast numbers of IFR aircraft hurtling down the ILS...
On a related note to the way this thread has gone, does anyone else think that the withdrawal of any form of radar service between the LL and GW zone is an accident waiting to happen? At the very least I bet the number of zone busts will increase. London Info, hard though it tries, cannot possibly be an effective provider of an info service in this narrow, altitude-restricted area. As an ATCO, I for one would rather have an a/c on freqency even if I'm not giving him anything other than a FIS rather than have him bumbling about on the edge of my zone not talking to anyone. The other day I was flying around the Hatfield area and was monitoring Luton APP (having been refused a service on contact) and heard them passing traffic info to a helicopter on 'unknown traffic manoeuvring in the Hatfield area'. I piped up with the fact that it was me (to Luton's apparent disapproval), and the heli pilot and I were able to help each other. My point is that had they accepted my details on first call, even if I wasn't going to transit the zone, then their and our lives would have been a bit easier.
It all seems very short sighted on the part of the decision makers. No criticism of the ATCOs involved is implied. I know they are only following instructions.
Comments?
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"Take-off is optional, Landing is mandatory"