I worked the north east corner yesterday (MIC / LBE) and it was busy. Partly due to wx avoidance but not helped by R/T indiscipline. On numerous occasions initial calls were made over already running transmissions. This happened regularly in the space of an hour.On the other hand, there's nothing wrong with a busy frequency, the controller involved should have the big picture and prioritize the communication flow accordingly, ignoring the less pressing exchanges as required. The real butt-clencher is a blocked frequency.
As far as numbers go, we are now handling around 4800 flights a day, as if the downturn never happened.
Edited to say: Zooker, no failures of ATFM or staff shortage involved. All required sectors open and operational. Just busy. It's what we're paid for.
Last edited by Radar; 9th Jun 2011 at 19:44.