Capn P: I did not intend to offend - if I did then I unreservedly apologise (it was late and I was tired - and a little sore from all the BA bashing here and emotive exaggerations by some parties). I am very familiar with the SOC you mention, and my opinion is that there is no discrepancy between its implications and my employer's fuel policy. And I am happy that I have, and always have had, the authority and latitude to exercise good airmanship, judgement and calculate required fuel according to circumstances and have always tried to do so.
Yes, there are league tables somewhere - I *think* only for shorthaul fleets but am not sure. I think they are a dreadful abberation, and only tolerated by the authority because they are "de-personalised" with only "pin codes" instead of names so that only the individuals concerned can identify themselves. When I first got my command on shorthaul, I was told my pin number by the then chief pilot and I gently told him that I would not need it as I would base my fuel decisions on the conditions of the flight and not on the practices of others. He is a good bloke and understood my feelings on that (it is easier to have calm and reasoned discussions on the subject face to face than here on the PC's screen!!).
Mitty: Oh dear, very Victor Meldrew. The Concorde operation is at least as "in the loop" as any other, I just cannot for the life of me think why you presume otherwise. When did I last hold? Last time I flew - about 15-20 minutes. Just like everyone else so your heart neednīt sink. Not uncommon on the inbound service. We even had fuel for yet another 25 minutes because the forecasts were going for wind and rain and so we loaded up, didn't even touch the LGW full diversion fuel. I have never been on a flight where we've "pushed in" - slot swaps with own company a/c maybe a couple of times. And I wouldn't want to, either. Your comment about us not being able to hold at some time in the past is incorrect - the BGI operation is closer to the aircraft's operating range limit, but no more so than a 744 arrival from some far eastern stations. Your para. 3 is beneath contempt and certainly beneath worthy of a reply. "Walt (carries extra fuel as needed, diverts when necessary...... and still employed)", me too - and in accordance with the guidance offered on my company manuals (which is in turn IAW the CAA's SOC mentioned by Capt. P).
Last edited by NW1; 21st October 2002 at 17:41.