View Full Version : Essex Radar Question
How come Essex had 2 controllers working 120.625 today at the same time (during LVPs)?
It sounded like one was managing the stack while the other was peeling them off the bottom and setting them up for Director.
Haven't heard it done that way before. Is it a new SOP, or was it just a UT getting some help? :)
Topofthestack
24th Jan 2007, 16:17
You obviously don't get around much, this has been an SOP for years. When it gets busy and the stacks start to fill up is when you'll notice this coming into play. If you want to experience it again, try the evening or late at night.
Safe flying.:)
foghorn
24th Jan 2007, 19:05
Also Gatwick (126.825) and Heathrow North (119.725) do this - one controller works the holds and the other vectors aircraft off the bottom to the director. Heathrow South (134.975) can in theory, but the radar console has been nicked by the TMA!
You obviously don't get around much, this has been an SOP for years.
You're not wrong :) . Thanks for the explanation.
HEATHROW DIRECTOR
24th Jan 2007, 20:46
<<Heathrow South (134.975) can in theory, but the radar console has been nicked by the TMA!>>
It used to be because there weren't enough staff to man it!!
Vortex Issues
24th Jan 2007, 22:08
When busy Essex Radar uses a support controller. Their role is to take all 1st calls from aircraft and ladder the stacks as well as some other tasks such as strip marking and co-ordination with other sectors. This frees up time for the Essex Controller to plan the sequence and vector them off the bottom of the stack and then to transfer them to Stansted or Luton Radar.
Vortex Issues