Dear All,
Inspired by a thread on the Tech Log forum (
http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/50221...-til-4dme.html) regarding approach speeds into LHR, I wanted to ask controllers about some of the specifics of maintaining separations between aircraft on approach to LHR (I am guessing it will probably apply to other airports as well).
In the case where minimum interarrival separations of 2.5 NM are applied (assuming no need to apply wake vortex seps), are these separations applied prior to 4 DME (i.e. while aircraft are speed controlled at 160 kts)?
Since aircraft then decelerate after passing 4 DME, naturally the separations will deteriorate. Is this taken into account when setting separations before 4 DME? In other words, are slightly higher separations applied so that when the leading aircraft crosses the trheshold the following aircraft is not less than 2.5 NM behind?
Would be most grateful for your expert input.
NotaLOT.