Pitch Black
 

Seems to be all happening, the Thai airforce even has a Wifi hopspot set up on apron.... Lol

what's with the F111, I thought they were finished, one sitting here atm...

They're a bit like Whispering Jack, you keep thinking you've seen the last of them and then...

It's a B111, Bloggs. :=

They're not due to retire until end of 2010.

morno

If its at Darwin the F111 is probably providing the strike attack for the "red" force where it will outperform and totally embarrass the defending FA18s thereby creating a huge PR problem when the RAAF tries to explain just why they are being retired. :uhoh::mad::sad::=

the party line is that the F111s don't have the avionics required for a modern combat aircraft.

They are finished, but we cant just get rid of a strike capability without the replacement. A few guys I know are in the states now doing their F/A-18 (E/F) conversions to bring back the next wave.

Flagg

How have the delays getting in/out of Darwin affected folks?

Is there some kind of record for holding time both from this year and years past?

It is cool watching the F-16's and F-18's peeling of over head though!

Cheers,
Greaser

Holding on the ground, 35mins, holding overhead Lee Point 30mins so far... its freaking annoying, specially when the trainee ATCs are on and your pulling hair waiting at the holding point for a 210 on 5mile final.... whats everyone elses records?

But yes, watching the F16s and F18s peeling over head is very cool and when they take off as your at V2 is especially noisy and fun!

36 minute taxi yesterday. Push back interrupted part way through manoeuvre to allow Metro to taxi behind as #1.

I think 12 arrivals and 3 departures in that 36 minute block, with lighties being asked to make best speed to field and then take RWY (36) right or first taxi-way. One lightie becoming unstable during flare and subsequent bounces.

F** from Singapore, approaching E, landing on RWY11 being asked to take Delta to right if able!

CC,

Darwin is a RAAF ATC training base.
Give them a brake, you should willingly accept delays and understand we were all there at some stage.
The type of problems you mentioned are extremely common, (we all see them every day in Darwin) as is non standard r/t, and problems coming to grips dealing with STaRs.

Its nothing new, Darwin ATC has struggled to reach a satisfactory standard since Noak was a lad, get used to it.

Think of it like the Bankstown of ATC, after all we aren't paying for the fuel, just donating some of our time to the cause.

Ixixly,
Not on the same runway, I hope! :}

Oooh, the enviro-nazis will want soembody's guts for garters about that! :{

Is that due pitch black?

Sounds ops normal to me!

What on earth does that mean:confused:

your a clown aye....

for those that pay airways and landing fees, pay for their fuel and run to a tight budget, every minute on the ground and air for that matter counts.

obviously never had to work a day in your life have you...

Been working as a pilot for just over 30 yrs approaching 20,000 hrs, and paid for every last sent of my own training, $25 hr back then, you?

That's the best post I've read all day.

Logging off happy :E

Longrass

Sarcasm is the default setting here at PPRuNe - I thought you knew that?! :ok:

Skynews, 30 years in Aviation, 20,000 hours and 9 posts on pprune...ok

Mate "willingly accept delays", are you freaking kidding?? Tell me you are! We have been advised to carry 15 mins holding with regard to Pitch Black opps. Fair enough they're up there protecting us, and good on them! Also the vast majority of the time i have found the controllers very friendly, and obliging. However, having to hold for well in excess of 45 mins after being told 10 is a bloody joke! I confirmed my slot time twice, and was very chuffed at having the exact estimate for Darwin as my slot. Pax on board pointing to darwin, little kid having to go to the dunny, last light coming up fast, LAHSO approved. Willingly accept delays?!?! Get stuffed! :ugh:

All i was looking for was to see if there are any records for holding. Thats all. Not a bitch fest about the RAAF doing their job.

Cheers,
Greaser

10 mins at the holding point with a massive boner watching 8 F-18's, and 2 F-111's taking off today! Glorious!

oh my dear Clarrie .. I think someone thinks you've been put back in your box!! bwahahaha too funny!

some people should just not start things :hmm:

G'day Voice,

They don't need a brake (sic) 'cause it seems their foot is firmly planted on it.