Sorry guys, don't think I made myself too clear. Of course we all do our upmost to get the aircraft on the ground as quickly as possible in those circumstances.
But...what if the worst was to happen ? Don't you think there will be lots of questions asked of the ATCO as to the consideration given to people on the ground ?
Now I will take that responsibility, but should I have to ? Why is there no guidance laid down by SRG, NATS or BAA management to back up the 'ATCO in the dock' ?
As an aside I've watched a video of a simulated engine fire on a twin jet departing Heathrow. The fire is not extinguished. When the Aircraft is vectored back for westerlies, the First Officer asks the Captain
' are you happy to fly a burning aircraft over London ?' , the Captain responds 'if ATC is happy to, then so am I.'
The Captain thinks it's up to ATC, many of my collegues believe that responsibility rests solely with the Captain.
So who takes responsibility. ?
I will, but I'd rather management did.