View Full Version : European Slot System
gwallerich
18th Feb 2002, 16:59
A Yank pilot here who frequently flies corporate aircraft in Europe.
A while back, while trying to depart Dublin, I was issued a 1.5 hour slot delay. The handler suggested that I phone our U.S. flight planning office and cancel our flight plan, then refile. I did, and was immediately issued a much more favorable slot for departure.
This incident made me realise that I really didn't understand how the slot system works, and, more importantly, how best to manipulate it.
Can anyone refer me to a web site that provides guidance on how to manipulate the slot system from the pilot's viewpoint?
BEXIL160
18th Feb 2002, 18:09
The refiled plan probably involved some sort of (slight) re-routing which could have amended your slot considerably. Anyway... here is the web site of the much maligned CFMU:
<a href="http://www.cfmu.eurocontrol.be/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.cfmu.eurocontrol.be/index.htm</a>
Lots of info here, including daily bulletins on the trouble spots in EUR....mainly LACC at present <img src="frown.gif" border="0">
Rgds BEX
ATC Watcher
19th Feb 2002, 20:37
Just to add to what BEXIL correctly said : check your two old plans, the difference between them is either on the route or a change in the cruising Requested FL (in both cases avoiding a busy sector that was causing the delay ).
One do not "manipulate" the system , one can learn how to use it. Normally airline or handling agents OPS staff know how to do it best .. .Next time you are caught and want to understand how it works, ask the agent to show you on the CFMU terminal your flight, check what is causing you the delay ( most penalising restriction ) and see how by altering your flight profile you can avoid penetrating that sector, and see the delay reduce or disapear. . . . .Anyway Enjoy Europe ...
gwallerich
20th Feb 2002, 01:17
BEXIL:. .Thanks for the URL. I'll wade through the stilted language to see if I can understand it!
ATC Watcher:. .Thanks, too! As I recall, the routing and altitude were identical (I didn't have to change the FMS routing), which was the part that puzzled me. And, occasionally, I'll get a printout of the reason(s) for the slot delay. Usually France...
ATC Watcher
20th Feb 2002, 11:47
If the route and altitude were identical, then the EOBT ( estimated off block time ) must have been different. . .If it eliminated the delay, then you had yourself a very good handling agent !...