Question about the 'Zig Zag One' arrival.
When flying a turboprop into DXB, we get vectors left and right and speed restrictions for spacing.
'Turn left 070'
'Turn right 180'
'Slow 180 KTS'
Now I could understand if we have a jet on our tail, but this is almost never the case. That jet is 30+ miles behind us. We spend so much time turning left and right and slowing down we would have been on the ground by the time the jet eventually flies past us. And every time without fail, that jet we spent so much time trying to accomodate is flying so slowly by the time it reaches the coast we end up slowing down to accomodate it. Every time.
Yesterday for example, we slowed to 180 kts over 100NM out to accomodate EK 30 who was yet to be realeased by Tehran. By the time we were handed to DXB approach we caught up with him, had to slow down and had to slow further on final to maintain 5 NM seperation.
As was discussed, better communication between DXB and UAE is required. But rather than asking the TP guys to slow down at 100 NM, why not ask for an early descent. From 100 NM out at FL190 a turboprop can maintain 240 kts all the way down. And the turboprop can maintain that speed for much longer than any jet.
Now a couple of the UAE guys ARE accomodating, so don't think that this is an attack on everyone. But please let your colleagues know that a turboprop in the descent isn't just a shed getting in everyones way. The unnessesary 'Zig Zag One' arrival drives me up the wall!
Cheers
DB
