We're told "not available" and ATC explained on landing that they still have the tools to provide this but now NOT allowed to provide it.
Reminds me of the days of yore when a pilot could ask ATC to provide a surveillance approach to a runway. It was a very useful fall back approach if the pilot was experiencing navaid problems in IMC. It was mentioned in AIP as an alternative method of doing an instrument approach using a ATC talk-down of distance from runway with desired altitude. Rather like a poor man's GCA.
Is this service still available in Melbourne (Essendon or Melbourne airport)?
I recall asking for a practice surveillance approach into Essendon on several occasions when instructing pilots for their instrument ratings. The usual answer was a not tonight, Josephine reply by ATC. Too busy, or can't be bothered I thought at the time.
Why was this very useful service discontinued by ATC all those years ago?