Direct ABBOT x Luton

[Gulfstreamaviator]

Very surprised as we passed the Shanwick (Swanwick) overhead, "Direct ABBOT".

A few days ago, think on 1st, mid afternoon.

Question: If traffic was that light, what would the chance of direct LUT, and join left base, just like the old days.....?

Second semi Question: yesterday out of LUT, and on Compton departure, give immediate climb to 80....very surprised...but my thanks for the vectors after that, to avoid a lum or two. No complaints but how was this possible...?

Just though of another Q: Luton is very sensitive to alt busts, and mentions the step climb. Why not actually confirm the first cleared level on the RT. The dep plates also had in the past a bold climb level. Who was responsable for the removal of this safety feature, and why is the level not reinforced.?
glf

[Vortex Issues]

Very surprised as we passed the Shanwick overhead, "Direct ABBOT".

Given direct ABBOT rather than LUT/ downwind because it is up to the Luton approach controller whether to accept this or not. This decision is usually made when the aircraft is about 60-80 miles from Luton. It all depends on how much traffic is arriving from the east, landing rate and runway in use

yesterday out of LUT, and on Compton departure, give immediate climb to 80....very surprised

If there is no traffic at BNN or out of EGLL to affect they'll want to get you up and out the way as quick as possible.

Luton is very sensitive to alt busts, and mentions the step climb. Why not actually confirm the first cleared level on the RT

Surely when you depart you report your cleared level and if not this should be picked up by the controller and you should be asked to report it. It is not reinforced if you have reported the correct level to cut down on any confusion that may occur.

[Talkdownman]

Where is the

Shanwick overhead

??

[Scuzi]

Very surprised as we passed the Shanwick overhead, "Direct ABBOT".

A few days ago, think on 1st, mid afternoon.

Question: If traffic was that light, what would the chance of direct LUT, and join left base, just like the old days.....?

I assume you're talking about a left base to 26? This is at the discretion of both the Luton approach controller and the TMA North controller. Due to the congestion around BPK, a left base to 26 is usually only offered when it is very quiet. You say you were given direct ABBOT which would suggest you were approaching from the east. Direct to LUT from the IDESI area puts you in confliction with pretty much every TMA outbound heading south or east.

Also....Shanwick?

Second semi Question: yesterday out of LUT, and on Compton departure, give immediate climb to 80....very surprised...but my thanks for the vectors after that, to avoid a lum or two. No complaints but how was this possible...?

If there are no LL WOBUN / BUZAD departures in the area it is quite common to climb a Luton CPT departure straight to 70/80 on first call.

Just though of another Q: Luton is very sensitive to alt busts, and mentions the step climb. Why not actually confirm the first cleared level on the RT.

When you check in with London Control you are supposed to report the inital step climb altitude you are climbing to and the controller listens out for this. If you get it wrong you should be corrected. A lot of controllers will give a defnitive altitude on first contact, especially if the pilot doesn't sound sure.

[coracle]

The removal of the bold climb level is down to whoever makes your plates/charts.

[Gulfstreamaviator]

approach from SOUTH, ish

We came in from MAY direction.....and yep, I thought that was a conflict re LGW, LHR, ETC.

[ImnotanERIC]

The luton controller doesn't usually decide 60-80miles out!!!
They are usually asleep until the a/c is 30 miles away, then they get a nudge from someone, and have to find their headset and pen. Then they make the decision about direct the LUT. and repeat.

[Talkdownman]

What's the pen for? The EG list?

[anotherthing]

The pen is used as a bookmark.

As they have to put the book down so infrequently, it's pointless buying a proper bookmarker.

An FPS could be used but:

a. FPS are so infrequently found on the Luton console, they are deemed unreliable as a source of marker

and

b. Luton controllers are being progressive and are simulating for EFD operations

[Nimmer]

Luton controllers are hard working, diligent and extremely proffesional!!!!

We never read on console, don't have time, pens are crap bookmarks they make a mess on the pages!!! What are flight progress strips?

We get paid band 5 wages!!!! Ho hum!!!

[anotherthing]

I'd have though a band 5 'proffesional'(sic) would've been able to afford a dictionary.

God knows you have enough time to read one

[ImnotanERIC]

band 5 wages, for breathing the same air and using the same loo as band 5 controllers. not a bad deal. I bet their colleagues at the tower love it.