MSR985 escorted into PIK
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I love the way that aircraft which have been diverted to the UK's number 2 airport for security related matters are parked on R/W 03/21 just a few yards from Prestwick Centre, which controls around two thirds of the UK FIR plus half the North Atlantic, so that in the event of an explosion, the collateral damage takes out a major piece of European infrastructure. The risk is obviously considered sufficient for police to stop vehicular traffic on adjacent roads, but not enough to protect NATS employees and the UK's ATC operation.
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Skyman.
There can't possibly be any risk of an explosion can there because they hold the pax and crew on the aircraft for hours after arrival ? Anyway the St Cuthberts Golfers, then the Marchburn houses and the Heathfield shopping centre are closer to take the blast. Flying debris will probably hit houses like mine in Prestwick, and one of these days, on one of these occasions, some poor sod in Prestwick main street, or motorist on the A77, will get killed by the blue light runs. But it must all be thought out mustn't it ?
There can't possibly be any risk of an explosion can there because they hold the pax and crew on the aircraft for hours after arrival ? Anyway the St Cuthberts Golfers, then the Marchburn houses and the Heathfield shopping centre are closer to take the blast. Flying debris will probably hit houses like mine in Prestwick, and one of these days, on one of these occasions, some poor sod in Prestwick main street, or motorist on the A77, will get killed by the blue light runs. But it must all be thought out mustn't it ?
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Well the BBC gave it no1 priority on their news tonight. Not. Barely got a mention, and that mention at the end of the show. Odd, strange, or because they are Egyptians? Or that it might not fit in with the BBC political agenda.
Now had it been Syrian...
Now had it been Syrian...
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just a few yards from Prestwick Centre
Having looked at it on Google Earth, there's a taxiway and some greenery.
There's more distance between 03/21 and ATC than there is between public roads and government buildings that are at arguably higher risk of actually ever seeing an explosion. In both instances, they've no doubt taken appropriate security countermeasures to protect personel onsite, and almost certainly have contingency site(s) elsewhere as part of their DR planning to ensure continuity of service.
Last edited by mixture; 15th Jun 2013 at 21:54.
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Earlier reports on the BBC News website quoted their colleague on the flight, Ms Tawfik, as saying that she had found the note in the toilet three hours into the flight. This detail is not repeated in the latest version of the report on the BBC. Whether this change is significant and the earlier report was incorrect I do not know. Other media (The Independent website for instance) are still reporting this detail about the timing of the discovery.
For the sake of argument, let us assume that the original quote was true. This would have placed the aircraft (according to the usual flight tracking sites) over or just north of the Czech Republic. Without wanting anyone to reveal sensitive information, I would like to hear from those with knowledge of the relevant procedures on why there was a delay between the discovery and the squawking of 7700 more than an hour later as the aircraft flew over the North Sea. I should say that I am not from the media as a check of my previous posts should show.
In short, would you have expected the emergency to have been declared earlier? Sufficiently earlier, perhaps, for the UK authorities not to have to become involved?
For the sake of argument, let us assume that the original quote was true. This would have placed the aircraft (according to the usual flight tracking sites) over or just north of the Czech Republic. Without wanting anyone to reveal sensitive information, I would like to hear from those with knowledge of the relevant procedures on why there was a delay between the discovery and the squawking of 7700 more than an hour later as the aircraft flew over the North Sea. I should say that I am not from the media as a check of my previous posts should show.
In short, would you have expected the emergency to have been declared earlier? Sufficiently earlier, perhaps, for the UK authorities not to have to become involved?
If the issue arose overhead Central Europe, and they were diverted all the way to Prestwick and then all held on board, would it not have been more expedient to have turned overhead Germany and gone back to Cairo, where they would presumably have been treated with a lot more common sense than appears to have been the case - and got off the plane quicker as well.
Last edited by WHBM; 15th Jun 2013 at 22:56.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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If I ever find such a note, I think I'll quietly pop it in the bin.
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I love the way that aircraft which have been diverted to the UK's number 2 airport for security related matters are parked on R/W 03/21 just a few yards from Prestwick Centre, which controls around two thirds of the UK FIR plus half the North Atlantic, so that in the event of an explosion, the collateral damage takes out a major piece of European infrastructure. The risk is obviously considered sufficient for police to stop vehicular traffic on adjacent roads, but not enough to protect NATS employees and the UK's ATC operation.
There was a barely credible threat of a fire, not warning of a 1000lb bomb on board. How does an explosion possibly come out of that?
As for tossing debris into Prestwick village, wassup, have we gone nuclear or something?
Re. finding the note and quietly disposing of it:
If there was a serious intent to attack the aircraft, why would you pre-warn your targets?
I honestly don't believe that any of of these toilet threats have ever been associated with a genuine threat.
Possibly but not such a good idea if the perpetrator does it again in mid Atlantic and then follows through.
I honestly don't believe that any of of these toilet threats have ever been associated with a genuine threat.
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just a few yards from Prestwick Centre, which controls around two thirds of the UK FIR plus half the North Atlantic, so that in the event of an explosion, the collateral damage takes out a major piece of European infrastructure.
but not enough to protect NATS employees and the UK's ATC operation.
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<<Do you really think the building would have been constructed without provision for such a scenario? Before you ask, no, I don't have detailed knowledge, it's just common sense.>>
I sincerely hope that steps are now taken to provide greater security. At an establishment where I worked, which housed considerably more than the building referred to, the windows of the control rooms opened on to a public road about 40 feet away. When there was a major altercation at a place nearby the powers that be put heavy curtains on the windows as protection. At another place I worked the foyer was enclosed by glass doors and windows with a single security man present during night hours. Thankfully both buildings have now been demolished.
I sincerely hope that steps are now taken to provide greater security. At an establishment where I worked, which housed considerably more than the building referred to, the windows of the control rooms opened on to a public road about 40 feet away. When there was a major altercation at a place nearby the powers that be put heavy curtains on the windows as protection. At another place I worked the foyer was enclosed by glass doors and windows with a single security man present during night hours. Thankfully both buildings have now been demolished.
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Prestwick St Cuthbert golf club, wich adjoins 21/03, was cleared when the plane landed and it was right in the middle of a club championship qualifying competition as well so it must have been serious 
As someone said, none of these post it notes on a bathroom mirror has ever amounted to anything but it only takes one. I for one would have landed at the first opportunity it oils be company policy anyway.
As someone said, none of these post it notes on a bathroom mirror has ever amounted to anything but it only takes one. I for one would have landed at the first opportunity it oils be company policy anyway.
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For those who would "just quietly pop it in the bin" ,I hope none of you are ever on any of my flights!
ALL THREATS must be assessed by the operating crew and dealt with accordingly !
We are all aware how accurate the British press can be in these circumstances and I wouldn't be surprised if there is more to this story than is currently reported.
Now put yourself in the situation,
Found note in toilet on transatlantic flight,
"Popped note in bin"
2 hours later while over the Atlantic , toilet smoke alarm goes off,
Feeling stupid yet ?
ALL THREATS must be assessed by the operating crew and dealt with accordingly !
We are all aware how accurate the British press can be in these circumstances and I wouldn't be surprised if there is more to this story than is currently reported.
Now put yourself in the situation,
Found note in toilet on transatlantic flight,
"Popped note in bin"
2 hours later while over the Atlantic , toilet smoke alarm goes off,
Feeling stupid yet ?
If we are really doing an assessment, when was the last time any actual aviation incident was found to have been preceded by a "note" ? Compared to this, how many "notes" have there been in the last say 10 years which were just nonsenses.
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Seat 46D wonder if they checked who was sitting there. Also find it strange that they would ask for Asylum in a criminal fashion in the UK when they already had US visas and were on their way to the USA legitimately and could have asked for asylum there. Either way correct thing done in this day and age. No idea what kind of nuts out there.
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No doubt the UK authorities were firmly at panic stations (evacuating a golf course - that's just hilarious!) but no one seemed unduly concerned on board if they blithely flew 2 hrs from Czechoslovakia to Scotland and passing over Stansted en route - plus no doubt several other similarly designated airfields in Europe.
It doesn't exactly sound like a high-level threat does it?
Which makes the golf -course business seem even more idiotic, but I suppose the police have to find something theatrically dramatic to do instead of just standing around in crowds like spare parts.
It doesn't exactly sound like a high-level threat does it?
Which makes the golf -course business seem even more idiotic, but I suppose the police have to find something theatrically dramatic to do instead of just standing around in crowds like spare parts.
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Originally Posted by ex-XL-in-exile
The Scottish authorities could be forgiven for being twitchy about airport security after the Glasgow Airport bombing.
I have serious worries that these numpties will actually be granted asylum, despite carrying out an act of terror to get here in the first place
.
Last edited by LiveryMan; 17th Jun 2013 at 14:42.