Flanker
<<Actually it was Nigel on Draft that wound me up by going on about following company policy and 'Don't blame Antigua'>>
Sorry to 'wind you up'. What exactly did I say to cause this?
Capt H Peacock
<<Thank you Nigel, but my employer and my identity are not germane to this debate. >>
I never said it was - I was just asking what areas you flew in, you not having said it on this thread. You have now added <<In my experience, LHR... >> which is fine - there are plenty on these forums who do not know what they are talking about...
<<So why would you arrive at the World’s busiest international airport, ... with no holding fuel? >>
I NEVER said I would.
May I ask 2 things, before bowing out:
1. We are NOT talking about taking LITTLE fuel at the planning stage. We ARE talking about what to do as it runs low... 95%+ of the time the "plan" will work, holding will not be horrendous, and we will land, even after 10-20 mins holding, with ample fuel to go around, divert etc.
Once in a blue moon (and that will occur from time to time given the number of movements at LHR), someone will arrive at LHR having used significantly more fuel than expected en route, and now find extensive delays. We are discussing what to do now...
2. Myself, and other 'Nigels', have made very clear here what BA Fuel Policy is. I'm not saying I totally agree with it, and as a consequence, when its my shout, I'll take 'extra' because commonsense / A'Ship dictate. What we're are not getting as feedback is:
i) Where BA Fuel Policy contradicts any law / rule / AIC etc.
ii) Commonsense alterations to BA Fuel Policy from ATC to help everyone out.
This debate, when it avoids getting personal, is a good learning curve for everyone. Whenever we used to take ATCOs on the Flt Deck, they were always amazed at the BA Fuel Policy (which seems common to most UK operators). It is only be debating here the message might get across, and then communication (if necessary via MOR) might get a better policy implemented across the board.
So, Flanker and Heathrow Director, may I reiterate:
1. When do you want us to call PAN?
2. When do you want us to call MAYDAY?
3. What Fuel should we have (in terms of Go Arounds, diversion capabilities) as a minimum on landing before advising you of "a problem"?
NoD