terrain safe...
Some humour much appreciated...!!
I should add that I find the LHR (and UK in general) ATCOs by far away the most professional worldwide, and also the most helpful in terms of working with us...
It is for this reason that I (and others?) ask for their opionions and thoughts here. We workd with them every day - the more we know of their pressures, and they ours, we can increase the overall level of safety (primarily), and commerical benefit (secondarily).
Re the 2.5NM spacing - its a circle. The "airlines" (the Mgmt, NOT the Flt Crew) demand tighter spacing, ATC provide it very well (but occasionally let down by "late vacations" - for which read, unable always to comply with optimum). The whole thing is getting very tight, and I, for one, believe it will end in tears...
Please do not think I "support" 100% the BA Fuel Policy, hence why I am here...
NoD