PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Is it me... or the UK ATC system?
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Old 7th Apr 2011, 19:48
  #11 (permalink)  
wwelvaert
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Cusco, Peru
Age: 49
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To "wiseguy":

I didn't leave controlled airspace on my own account, but on the other hand once the controllers near Aberdeen started to give me direct point-to-point navigation (as opposed to my original clearance via airways) I also didn't object. I understand that the service levels are regulatory requirements in the UK but it's still quircky, not something I've seen elsewhere.

You didn't try too hard then.If I was flying into the London TMA I sure as heck would have a good working knowledge of VOR's to which I may be sent.
I disagree. In a GPS equipped aircraft most of the points I was given to navigate to were not VORs but arbitrarty intersections. There are many around London. Lambourne was not on my original flightplan and if I recall correctly (I left the tripkits with my customer) it's also not a fix on the approach. To be given an arbitrary point to navigate to when you're that close to your destination instead of being told what approach to expect simply is not good practice.

I agree with your point about the Thames radar controller.
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