Although both Bristol and Cardiff can see on their Radars out some considerable distance (between 70 and 90 NM at Cardiff)
They are currently only able to offer Radar services out to 40NM.
Does this mean that the Aircraft last night were on procedural services and receiving Flight Information only ,for some distance.
Yes last night was exceptional and no ATCO should ever come into work when unwell. But surely their could have been some overtime cover available. I know overtime is a dirty word at LACC but to have to close airspace , we are supposed to be a world class provider of ATC services, we have settled our pay dispute so what are we coming to at NATS ?
Management and lack of foresight and planning in the past few years are to blame, but do we always have to make things worst by not being flexible under such circumstances. Yes it means we are highlighting the point of our difficulties to the outside world, but those of us at units who have to bid for our Contracts at the airports every 5 years or so are really starting to suffer.