Sonic Boom over Suffolk / Norfolk? 0830BST
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: england
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I struggle with the idea that the alleged threat occurred on the ground before take-off
why on earth even start the flight, then declare an emergency so close to home?
or (cynic mode) it got everyone back and saved hotels, rerouting pax etc etc
why on earth even start the flight, then declare an emergency so close to home?
or (cynic mode) it got everyone back and saved hotels, rerouting pax etc etc
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A managed diversion, fully coordinated between flight-deck and ATC, albeit for a security reason. No suspected interference with the actual progress of the flight. Why the need for a costly RAF escort? Indeed, if we are talking about balancing risks, then a fifteen minute hold, keeping the aircraft in the air for longer than necessary was exposing those on board to unnecessary additional risk.
Are you a pilot?
then declare an emergency so close to home?
Resident insomniac
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Bearing in mind the time taken to travel from Kaunas, then the FR aircraft had to 'wait' 15 minutes for the RAF escort to meet up - despite travelling supersonically - would better planning have avoided both (the supersonic traverse and the 15 minutes wait)?
the FR aircraft had to 'wait' 15 minutes for the RAF escort to meet up
It's more likely the hold was needed to get the ground reception in place. As for planning, it all depends on when the information was received (UK end) about the threat and the nature of that threat - you would normally launch QRA to intercept much earlier, and ground reception would have been fixed well ahead of time because the mandatory diversion would have been called as soon as the situation became clear. That said, terrorist actions or hoaxes don't tend to come with 30 mins notice.
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If the hoax call was only made to Kaunas 2 hours after take off you can work out the time available. It may have crossed the FIR before anything was known of the potential problem. Always a difficult balancing act, with decisions being made at the highest level.
This flight from Kaunas to London Luton was delayed ahead of takeoff after Lithuanian authorities received a suspected hoax security alert. Police carried out a security search and cleared the aircraft to return to service; customers boarded and the flight departed to Luton.
“While on approach to Luton, upon the request of UK authorities, the aircraft diverted to London Stansted in line with security procedures, and landed normally at Stansted, where customers disembarked and were transferred to Luton by coach. Local police carried out a further search and cleared the aircraft to resume service once more.
“While on approach to Luton, upon the request of UK authorities, the aircraft diverted to London Stansted in line with security procedures, and landed normally at Stansted, where customers disembarked and were transferred to Luton by coach. Local police carried out a further search and cleared the aircraft to resume service once more.
Join Date: Apr 2010
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Sounds like an over-reaction in the Uk - but the pilot got some practise in and was able to go supersonic. The Great British Public were audibly reminded that the RAF was around to defend them, Ryanair got to practise their intercepted check list.... no real cost to anyone as they'll just scrub a future training flight
Nothing to worry about TBH
Nothing to worry about TBH
Join Date: Nov 2004
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I have to agree that this was more about training for the RAF.
Given that the bomb hoax all happened before departure, presumably hours before the interception, there was clearly no need for a supersonic reaction even if escort was required for some reason.
I'm sure the practice was useful and the jet-jockeys had fun, but I'm not buying the excuse.
Given that the bomb hoax all happened before departure, presumably hours before the interception, there was clearly no need for a supersonic reaction even if escort was required for some reason.
I'm sure the practice was useful and the jet-jockeys had fun, but I'm not buying the excuse.
Those involved in QRA flights operate under strict SOPs.
Q scrambles are not called without reason; a Typhoon flying at supersonic speed over land does not do so at the pilot's whim.
QRA SOPs are classified. So sorry, spotters, you'll just have to keep guessing, because no-one is going to tell you height/speed/mission details on an open website such as this....
Q scrambles are not called without reason; a Typhoon flying at supersonic speed over land does not do so at the pilot's whim.
QRA SOPs are classified. So sorry, spotters, you'll just have to keep guessing, because no-one is going to tell you height/speed/mission details on an open website such as this....
