I was recently asked if we were ready for an immediate between 2 A/C on final. We replied we were, and then the gap proved insufficient and we had to wait for the 2nd one to land before cleared to line up.
Total waiting time at holding point about 10 minutes, and because we were aware of the big picture we did not mind a bit, as that is what happens every now and then.
However, had we only been told to hold short and report ready, we probably would have queried after the first one landing and taken up R/T time with another A/C on final.
So to me it is a no brainer, conditional clearances are a major source of information to keep everyybody in the loop and allow them to anticipate with minimum R/T chatter. Keep them.
As a side note I am getting a bit tired of all these "improved safety" changes. We used to be considered professionals capable of taking responsible decisions, both pilots and Atcos alike. If there is a need for safer (dumber) procedures perhaps the bar for entry should be raised to only allow people in who can actually cope with the job at hand?
Last edited by S76Heavy; 17th June 2010 at 13:31.