RIS - clock code vs compass points
 

Today Brize were giving me a RIS and calling traffic by compass points (e.g. Traffic NE, southbound, same level) rather than clock code. I was under the impression that they would only do this if you were manoeuvring, and that cruising (as I was) on a steady heading they would give clock code.

Could this be because the wind was strong, and therefore my wind correction angle would make their estimates of clock code wrong? (They didn't know my actual heading - I forgot to say and they didn't ask.) Wind correction was around 30 deg cruising at 90 knots in an underpowered DR400...

Tim

It could be to do with the computer virus that's "stuffed" their system up, it was on News at Ten!

Traffic info seems to be passed to me using either clock or compass mode depending on the whim of the controller. Personal preference would be for the clock mode.

...in a turn.....

"Traffic 12 o'clock, correction 11 o'clock, correction 10 o'clock, correction 9 o'clock......"

Doesn't quite work does it?

Well no. But as I was heading 116 for about 40 miles that shouldn't have been a problem!

Tim

Have had both, personally much prefer clock code, find it more precise. Unless manoeuvring, of course.

PS: same goes for wind. Over the years I've had a few controllers call wind on final in the compass point format. Hate it.... :=

I must try that - "Clear to land, surface wind two o'clock 15 knots, varying between one o'clock and half past three!"

Red Four, point taken ;) should perhaps have been clearer. What I meant was wind reported not as, say, 340/10, but as NW at 10. Nothing to do with the clock....

Actually, I like that!

I can respond to either but I sometimes have trouble with the "right ten o'clock" or "left two o'clock" ;)

Didn't realise that "clattering palm-trees" could maintain S&L inverted flight:E

We're just trying to confuse you and make your day more interesting.

Clock code if steady track, cardinal point if manoeuvring is how I play the game. Wind doesn't actually get taken into account so take all indications based on track, not heading.

I'm not often that bored ;)

From spring chicken to .... and no boredom, you are a fortunate fellow.

In the days of my youth there was, allegedly, a controller who called traffic in cricket field terminology. He once gave traffic as "In your mid on at 5 miles." The puzzled pilot responded, "Erm. Am I batting or bowling?"

I've been party to the following..

ATC "Traffic 10 O'clock, same direction, similar level...."
A/C a few minutes later "Er....we can see one in our 2 O'clock, is that him?"
ATC "Yes, sorry, I've got my digital watch on..."

TM you are, as usual, spot on!

I believe that the Brize LEO has some work to do :E