Captain Custard:
Maybe it's not your intention, but it sounds like you're having an each way bet..
"That is but one example of ridiculous separation standards which, if there were a few clouds about, would prevent me from descending in E airspace until over my destination. What a crock."
Then;
"The thing that really gets up my nose is that, as soon as one of the aircraft goes into Class G, ATC says "see ya later" and they wipe their hands of the affair."
Which way do you want it? To be separated or not be separated.
Further:
"why in hell do we have to be at separated levels 10 minutes before crossing??"
This standard is based on ESTIMATED time of passing, which is itself derived from pilot ESTIMATES. I concede that when the numbers are accurate, you could squeeze a few small European countries in the distance that the aircraft have to be vertically separated.
However, given that revised estimates are only required for variations of 3 minutes or more. And that pilots routinely fail to even pass these changes, that small European country quickly becomes a Carribean island.
Blue skies, you'll need 'em
