EGLL AUTO

[datafox]

So, I can't really figure out this EGLL AUTO thing on METARs even though it was semi-explained in a previous post.

In the middle of the night there aren't enough controllers at EGLL tower so the SAMOS goes to AUTO for a max of two hours? How come Gatwick or Manchester don't use AUTO on SAMOS in the middle of the night?

[Gonzo]

At Heathrow, controllers do not operate the SAMOS. The assistant in our Flight Clearance unit does that, and as there's only one of them there the whole night, they need a break for two hours.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

datafox.. All comes down to penny-pinching. Utterly disgusting..

[datafox]

OK, with that said then at Gatwick, Manchester, etc., METAR's do not go into AUTO because controllers operate SAMOS and they do not go on break?

Just trying to understand.

[lobby]

It used to be the case that at Gatwick it is very quiet at night (not as quiet as Heathrow) so the ATSA did not take a break as there is enough time between the two minutes every half hour that it takes to produce a METAR to put their feet up.

[chiglet]

Manchester has two ATSAs on nights.....for the time being
watp,iktch

[SilentHandover]

There are two ATSA's who prepare the METARS on a night shift at Gatwick so there is no need for Auto METARS.