Out of limits is out of limits. The wind limitations at Madeira (FNC) are there for reasons of safety. These wind limitations (in relation to the touchdown anenometer) are to allow the pilot to make a safe approach and touchdown. These are airfield, not aircraft, limitations
I cannot believe that in the current climate i.e. post Sept. 11th, when air safety is so much in the public spotlight, that any pilot would deliberately ignore safety limitations. This is especially true at an airfield like FNC which must always be treated with the greatest respect.
I have operated to FNC many times and in my experience if the wind is close to limits you can expect a rough ride. If the wind is out of limits????
We are in danger of destroying our own industry if we carry on like this, and we deserve everything we get.
I hope that INAC come down hard on those involved, otherwise after this we may as well throw the rule book away. (It sounds like some already have!!!)
The CAA need to investigate this too if, allegedly, a UK carrier is involved.
