Deaf
For the benefit of the journo's a factor (one the holes in the swiss cheese) is this
Quote:
7:54 - Center - Descend to 2500
7:54 - PGW - 2500
Pilot In Command means just that, Center is not in command. A response of
"ABC will maintain 5000" is the decision of the PIC and Center/ATC's job is to clear the path.
3 useless things Fuel in bowser, runway behind you and altitude above you.
I hope you are not trying to aportion blame on the ATC by selectively using some truths. Facts in Isolation can do that, just like the AGW brigade.
Lets look at the whole transcript, and you will see that ATC were not advised of a PAN, MAYDAY or even the words DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, no matter which way you say it. So he gets cleared to A025.....so what...he can used all the airspace from initial height to 2500....there was no height/time or distance requirement. The pilot elected to create minimal fuss, even when ATC prompted him, as it turns out the CEN guy spoke to the BK TWR guy and effectively declared it an emergency....becuase he could sense it really was one.
Syd Center
7:52 - PGW - We're just turning round sir, we've got a few problems here
7:52 - Center - Everything OK?
7:52 - PGW - Not at the moment, we're just turning round to Bankstown thankyou
7:52 - Center - Roger maintain 5000ft, Richmond available if emergency conditions exist
7:52 - PGW - Standby
7:53 - PGW - We've got an engine issue, we've shut one down and returning to Bankstown
7:53 - Center - Roger, track back to Bankstown
7:54 - Center - Will you require any services on your arrival ?
7:54 - PGW - Not sure at the moment, just dealing with it
7:54 - Center - Descend to 2500
7:54 - PGW - 2500
7:55 - Center - Are you able to maintain height, if not Richmond 2 miles south of you at this time
7:55 - PGW - Ah, we're just on descent at this time… (difficult to make out exactly)
7:56 - Center - Bankstown advise services will be in attendance for your arrival
7:56 - PGW - Wondering if we can confirm 11C available?
7:56 - Center - Track Direct for 11C final, 11C available with two knots downwind
7:57 - PGW - Thanks do you have a heading for us?
7:57 - Center - It's a left turn by 10 or 12 degrees
7:57 - PGW - Left 10-12 degrees
7:58 - Center - Continue descent as required, confirm visual
7:58 - PGW - We have visual at the moment
7:58 - Center - Roger, continue descent as required
BSK Tower
8:00 - PGW - 12 miles to run, 1500