My thanks and appreciation to the ladies and gentlement of Farnbourough Lars East for your assistance yesterday. Operation RAMBLER ran like clockwork. At the debrief, lots of learning points (many related to COMS), which will be put into use firstly in covering the torch procession.
Air Search teams flew under 5020 (with FAR Lars E) operating out of Silver Command (one aircraft, me). I had an "inner" orbit not above 1200 QNH. Mostly lifting "management" for an "overview" and camera teams for delivery of images on return to Silver Command. The second team, several aircraft, flew under 7010 (with Rochester Information, code given by Southend) out of Rochester. They took an outer orbit not below 1500 QNH. Their reports and photographs were uploaded to Silver Command on return to Rochester.
I would be interested in hearing any thoughts, observations or suggestions from controllers (involved or not) about how to make this better, from your perspective.
Should all operation aircraft be on one frequency?
Is it sensible to operate on a frequency that has no radar, even if it is close by (9.5 miles) and is launcing / recovering aircraft?
One squawk for all operation aircraft, or was it easier running two as they flew different profiles in any case?
Any other thoughts?
Finally, any current or ex controllers interested in joining Air Search? I suspect that you would have much to offer.
Regards
John
Last edited by John R81; 22nd April 2012 at 13:07.