SPEED and LEVEL RESTRICTIONS INBOUND
Can "HKG Radar" controllers please stop slowing down aircraft 15nm before CYBER expecting us to make the FL260 restriction...
We descent at about 280kts or faster to reach CYBER at exactly FL260 - any reduction at short notice will screw up this profile and require more speed and/or speed brake.
How about "CX... reduce speed 250kts, CYBER FL260 cancelled..."
Thanks,
AB
Terminal South (HK Radar 126,3) is the affected sector in the instance you’ve cited but the fundamental principle of “aircraft cannot slow down and get down” is universal.
Tactical
The Terminal controllers presiding over CYBER, SONNY & MAPLE are trained to address this issue with either of two simple methods:
1) The speed restriction should only be applied at the way-point (not before); eg., “At CYBER; reduce speed to 250 kts and descend to reach FL130 by MANGO.”
2) If a speed restriction is imperative, the level restriction at the affected way-point must be cancelled; eg.,”Reduce speed to 250 kts, cancel CYBER level restriction.”
Strategic
When the HK Flow Manager requires arrivals to reduce speed to absorb delay, the controlling sectors prior to MAPLE, CYBER and SONNY shall be responsible for issuing the requirement; eg., “Arrange your descent to be 230 kts by CYBER, when ready descend to reach FL260 by CYBER.”
The Association understands your frustration as we view this as a failure by individuals to understand the basics of managing an aircraft’s energy condition. If aircrew do not experience service as advised above, then they should immediately advise the responsible controller that they cannot comply with the affected way-point level restriction.