Do aircrew find it preferable being routed direct to an 8 mile final?
This option has to be tied up between an en - route or TMA sector with the relevant approach unit before being issued, as APC need to know where the a/c is going to fit into the sequence. It carries no ambiguity about using the LOC or G/P outside the protected range, as the approach unit will be working the a/c when it approaches the 8 mile final, from which point they can issue descent clearance within the RMA or in accordance with unit vectoring instuctions. It can also be utilised within a 270 degree arc from the 8 mile final (or centre - fix ) of the R/W in use.