Check airfield closure times as part of pre-flight planning.
I knew the closure times, I had not factored in a 30 minute diversion... hence my 1st lesson learnt. Allow more time.
People who get asked to work overtime at zero notice may or may not agree to do so
I guess I'm just used to working in a different industry - overtime doesn't really exist, we just do the hours needed. But when the aircraft is in visual range and you know that the aircraft is due back that day, 10 minutes leeway is not unreasonable. And given how good everyone else had been that day, including the other staff at Cranfield, this guy stood out. But hey, maybe he was having a bad day. We all have them......
And MFC_Fly - you are right, it was a
fantastic day!!
