Re the idea of doing Approach and Enroute on the same position, we have run a test and it is possible in the wee small hours to do both enrolee and approach, but it is also correct that it does need some attention to how the sectors are divided up. By example, if Rocky and Mackay Approach were to be done by Enroute then the controller looking after the Enroute around Rocky would naturally get the Rocky Approach role and the Mackay Approach gets treated the same. Would mean no change in Enroute controller numbers during the nights. So it is doable, provided the Approach control uses the same 5nm standard and they have limits imposed on certain services - E.g. can't go vectoring on radar terrain charts while operating on large scale screens - but that is a limitation worldwide anyway.
If you did this, you would be providing both a higher level of service, using existing resources, and maximising use of surveillance. Win, win??? Would require training for more enroute staff to ensure they have the skill-set…again…back to costs!
Last edited by shrimpboat; 9th Mar 2017 at 04:44.