Heathrow on an easterly wind - holding stacks and departures.

[Julian Hensey]

At the weekend because of the wind direction everything was landing on the 09's at Heathrow it appears. I am interested in trying to understand why there were virtually no aircraft using the Lambourne hold - is this not used when the 09's are in use? There does appear to be a procedure for it being used when the 09's are in use from what I can see.

Also I saw aircraft climbing out towards the Lambourne VOR as if just taken off from Heathrow a couple of times on Saturday, yet I cannot find a SID that directs them straight towards Lambourne....

Any Heathrow/London ATC types able to offer some clues....

As always... thanks...

[Gonzo]

LAM is used on easterlies. However, due to its position (at least 50 miles from touchdown on 09L) a lot more a/c can be 'off the stack' and being vectored than on westerlies, so perhaps that has given the illusion that it's not being used at the moment.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

There are no Heathrow SIDs which route direct to LAM, but several use Brookmans Park which, depending on your location, may look to be in a similar direction to LAM. Remember that once noise abatement has been completed aircraft may be turned on to radar headings off the SID.

[coracle]

Having worked this weekend on TMA North, I can assure you that LAM was busy as usual, indeed perhaps more so than usual as some flights from Italy and Greece were re-routed through LAM.
As has been already mentioned, when on Easteries, there can be more aircraft off the stack and so holding is less. As a consequence of this, aircraft on Brookmans Park departures, after 4000 feet , can be taken off the SID, given an easterly heading and climbed against traffic running into LAM ( often co-ordinated with LL INT North as "east and up"). This would indeed give the illusion of traffic heading towards LAM ( infact they fly south of LAM before turning north-ish towards Clacton).

Hope this helps.:ok:

[WHBM]

LAM seemed used for holding last weekend; I was at Stapleford (where the LAM VOR is located) looking straight up at them :)

Actually when on westerlies a common arrival track appears to be vectored due west from LAM to just below BPK, then back south-easterly to overhead London City, then onto finals. That zig-zag can't be far off 50 nm either.

[Julian Hensey]

As usual I can always depend on people to answer the questions brilliantly. Thanks to all.

While I have your attention, what is the usual procedure for a missed approach on 09L. I see from the charts it appears to be a left turn but where does it head to or is it "just turn on this bearing" and vectors will be given from then on. The reason for asking is that the aircraft I saw low on Saturday and heading upwards towards LAM might have been missed's. They certainly weren't London City traffic as they were at least 767 in size.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

WHBM.. The zig-zag is to permit traffic to be sequenced into the "circuit". A similar procedure exists off BIG to the south. When things are quiet LAM traffic can leave the VOR on a SW track for a straight-in on westerlies. On easterlies traffic which would be going round in the hold on westerlies can be on the downwind leg for the 09s. Track distances from LAM are around 35+ miles on westerlies and 50+ miles on easterlies but there is more room on easterlies to have more off LAM all at the same FL and 3nm apart.

[fly bhoy]

Julian

09L Missed Approach procedure is climb straight ahead to 3000ft. At 1500ft or zero DME, whichever is later, turn left onto track 040 (or it may be 039 now).

At least I think thats what it is!!!:confused: :}

FB:ok:

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

There's no need to guess... The go-around off 09L is:

Climb straight ahead: on passing 1580(1501)
or I-AA DME zero inbound whichever is the
later, turn left onto track 039° climbing to
3000 then continue as directed.

This is readily obtainable on the internet.

[evenflow]

You've been told fly bhoy :D

[fly bhoy]

There's no need to guess

T'wasn't a guess my good man, just a bit of sarcasm thrown in at the end!! Being a tower ATCO it'd be rather embarrassing if I had to guess a MA procedure everytime I sent someone around!!!:eek:

You've been told fly bhoy

I have indeed...hanging my head in shame as I type!!!:}

FB:ok:

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

It was never my intention to upset anyone - I'm sorry.

fly bhoy... no need to hang your head. If you're a Heathrow Tower controller you are one of the elite and have my total respect.

[fly bhoy]

HD

Absolutely no offence taken nor any need to apologise. Was continuing in my earlier vein of sarcasm!!:)

As for the elite part, many thanks indeed, but i'm sure some witty colleague will be quick enough to post something derogatory or insulting!!! I wouldn't expect anything less!!!:} :\

FB:ok: