I don't mean to add fuel to the fire but.........
The scenario I had today was a very short haul flight (B734) cruising at FL170 and had been cleared when ready to FL130. I asked the pilot his speed, he said 320kts. A few minutes later I asked him to slow to 300kts, which was readback correctly. 5 minutes later the aircraft is still showing the same groundspeed and is catching up the aircraft in front (hence giving the speed restriction in the first place), so I checked the mode S which still said 320kts! I queried this with the pilot, to which he said he was planning on 300kts for the descent. He then reduced his speed and separation between him and the aircraft in front was not lost.
I like the discussion about FMC cost index & crossover speeds but.......
You have a 737 at 17,000' indicating 320 KIAS.
You (ATC) tell the flight to slow to 300 KIAS. The flight does not slow to 300 KIAS. 300 seconds pass and you see no change in groundspeed.
Put an end to the nonsense and file a violation against the crew; just make sure that your phraseology was textbook.
By the time the crew gets through all the related tension, pressure, work and expense involved with defending themselves against an alleged violation of aviation regulations they will have wished they had simply complied.
Guaranteed the "news" will spread that XYZ Center/approach darn well means 300 knots when they say 300 knots. Likely one will see company bulletins, online notices and "emphasis items" during line checks (here we go again).
No, you are not being an A**, you are trying to do your job safely with limited airspace. If you do not get cooperation then YOU get to make the decision on initiating certificate action. Was the non-compliance out of misunderstanding or arrogance? If it was arrogance; then file the violation.
I think the vast overwhelming majority of us try and comply with every clearance every time recognizing we work with fellow professionals.
Last edited by Jetdriver; 9th December 2011 at 12:11.