speed control
If you are told to reduce speed in the LTMA then you are expected to comply with the instruction as quickly as is practicable. Obviously we don't want to have everyone sitting in the cockpit with their noses stuck to the windscreen, but we also don't want you to take the next thirty miles to do it!
If you don't reduce the speed reasonably quickly it will only delay you in the long run as it will mean that you end up in the hold while spacing is sorted that way instead of on the run up to the hold.
When you are instructed to maintain a certain speed, in the LTMA at least, you are expected to maintain it until ATC tell you otherwise. This INCLUDES when you descend below FL100! speed control is a separation and any unannounced change of speed could cause a loss of separation. Some a/c cannot maintain high speeds at all levels and they should notify us if they are unable to comply! If you are instructed to maintain a speed with our approach units, on final approach the instruction will include a distance from touchdown where the speed control ceases e.g. 160 knots to four DME.
