How do you know the light only came on once? Radio waves are a fickle beast at the best of times and they were higher than the mountain at TOD. Also I think the orbits were to set them up for a low-altitude sightseeing run down the Sound (which had some of the more spectacular scenery) as opposed to a straight descent which would - on the track they were expecting - have had them reach clear air just in time to turn left, round Ross Island to the south and start the trip home - not what the passengers paid for.
Last edited by DozyWannabe; 30th Dec 2011 at 15:54.