No Sig...
<<Is acceptable in your SOP's to 'commit' to a destination with single runway?>>
Yes - but at a later stage i.e. EAT or delay known. However, I think you'll find most Nigel's (indeed most pilots I am sure!) would get "cold feet" around here. Committing to LHR, with 2 (and a 3rd if dire situation, whether prepped or not) runways is one thing, a single runway airfield with anyone ahead brings a different outlook.
<<The CAA have officially promulgated the extent to which holding should be expected at LHR in AIC 36/1996>>
Yes - but this applies to the planned fuel. We are NOT talking about this! We are dicsussing what one does as the fuel runs out, for whatever reason... Unexpected headwinds, extensive holding. As said previously, if you have the crystal ball that states how long holding at LHR will be in 20 mins time, let alone 15 hours, please could you lend it to us...
In addition to those telling "Big Airways" to call the low fuel state earlier. Please read the AIC:
"A radio call prefixed by MAYDAY ... PAN .... should only make call when ... in danger .... not because the fuel state has fallen below the amount needed to comply with formula given above.
So, in addition to bearing in mind safety v commercial, can we also bear in mind between "planning fuel" we depart with, and what we do as it runs down below the planned fuel
I see the EZY fuel policy is very similar... i.e. no PAN or MAYDAY until likely / will land below reserves, and can commit...
NoD