10 mile checks

[throw a dyce]

At our unit we are still required to co-ordinate a 10 mile check for IFR inbounds.This is despite an ATM in tower which can be used on 2 radar systems primary and secondary.The ATM is approved for determining landing order etc from Mats part 1.It seems over co-ordination to me.What do other units do?

[Gonzo]

Nope. We only have 10 checks (or 20 checks, depending on the runway) if there's an inbound to the departure runway.

[AlanM]

Assuming you are talking standard IFR ILS traffic - not SRAs;

Biggin and City Airport both have an ATM (identical I think?)

Biggin need 10mile checks (to help with their circuit)
City only need them when ATM is not working. (no circuit traffic of course!)

Biggin also get a 20 mile check as well when they have the crossrunway in use.

It seems a bit of overkill, but then you have a busy VFR airfield with crossing traffic/runways do you not??

[spekesoftly]

Not normally required, providing the ATM/SSR is serviceable. To assist IFR/VFR integration, visual approaches are subject to individual co-ordination, as are any requests for 'opposite-end' approaches.

[vintage ATCO]

We don't do range checks providing ATM/SSR is serviceable unless it is on a small list of exceptions.

[throw a dyce]

Thanks for that :ok: Yes if it's a visual or SRA then co-ordinate but most of the time it would seem not necessary.We also have VFR helis on standard routes,which are checked in.I would like to see that ditched(sorry about the pun) as well.Interesting.

[jay_hl]

despite an ATM in tower

You have a cash machine in the tower? That must be jolly handy! :sad:

[foghorn]

Yep, put £20 in and you get 20 £1 coins. Jackpot.

[Odi]

Throw-a-Dyce

I've always wondered why we have to check the helis in; it has always struck me as a waste of a phone call when you have a perfectly good ATM and the strip in front of you.

Would it be a workable system, and cut down on your (and our) workload to reverse the system and assume all helis are checked in unless you tell us otherwise? In other words, you'd ring us to tell us to hold outside if required.

[throw a dyce]

Odi,
I tried no checks one day and it cut the phone calls by over half.It was busy but so much easier.Anyway keep :ugh:
Ps Our ATM can see from Jersey to Norway.:ok: but it only gives out Scottish Pound notes.:E

[jay_hl]

Yep, put £20 in and you get 20 £1 coins. Jackpot.

Surley you mean you get 10 £1 coins back.

Especially if your at a NATS unit.

That new LHR TWR needs to be paid for somehow!