Can anyone shed any light on the reasoning behind current heli procedures at LGW? I understand the H aiming point was removed due WIP but following a visit recently, the arrangement now to use the runway seems farcical....
Landing, not too much bother, just cross N terminal, land 08 then vacate to the stand...but departure
Following 10mins engine running on the stand, a hovertaxy behind c15 airliners to the 08 threshold. There follows a wait of a further 22mins before lining up & departing 08. A request was made for an early left turn due north when only 1/3rd down the tarmac, overflying the stand vacated 32mins previously.....all with disbelieving vip pax who are 'in the industry' with a great knowledge of worldwide procedures.
It has been mentioned that this arrangement is the preferance to ensure ATCO's are fully focused on proceedings south of the tower....however, how safe & expeditious is it to have a non wheel equipped heli placed behind 15 jet aircraft both on the taxyway & runway? Any thoughts please?