Questions re Gatwick ops

[dawgweed]

Looking for some details regarding operations at Gatwick.

What is the arrival rate and what spacing does that provide on final approach?

Departure rate? (presumably same or similar as arrival rate)

With an aircraft on final at what point does a departure receive take off clearance? What is average ROT for a landing aircraft?

How is a missed approach handled? Is 3 mile radar separation required at all times (or more for wake turbulence ) or de-conflicting turn? 30 degrees or more?

Is standard missed approach assigned at all times or does ATCO issue alternate missed approach instructions as required?

Thanks in advance.

[hangten]

What is the arrival rate and what spacing does that provide on final approach?

Departure rate? (presumably same or similar as arrival rate)

No, not the same. A capacity is declared for the hour which is divided into arrivals and departures but this can vary. Maximum total hourly capacity used to be 53 but this was a peak and not scheduled routinely during a day (50+ may be scheduled several hours in a row). Maximum unbalance akin to 42/10, departure heavy, first thing in the morning. Late evening may be 35/5, arrival heavy, for example. I may be a little out of date.

With an aircraft on final at what point does a departure receive take off clearance? What is average ROT for a landing aircraft?

3 miles is an average. Depending on a/c types and wind conditions anything between 4 and 2 may be acceptable. I can't remember the average roll out time (I think this is what you're asking) but want to say 40 seconds. Maybe. Gatwick has excellent RETs and lighting to help reduce this.

How is a missed approach handled? Is 3 mile radar separation required at all times (or more for wake turbulence ) or de-conflicting turn? 30 degrees or more? Is standard missed approach assigned at all times or does ATCO issue alternate missed approach instructions as required?

The standard missed approach includes a 90 degree turn to provide separation. 3 miles is not required at all times even in IMC, but controllers are expected to step in and take action to provide radar separation asap, including but not limited to changing the MA, turning departures and level restrictions.

As a similar response to that I think you got to in your last thread, every situation is different and the ATCOs have license (literally) to do whatever is best in any given situation. Enhanced training is given, with scenarios (real and theoretical) etc.

For more info you'd probably need to contact NATS for a paid consultant...

[dawgweed]

Great information thank you for answering.