(I posted this in the Regional section also)

Hi all. This is an anonymous controller, with a tip from my side, that will help everyone in the long run...

More and more, with fuel prices, etc, airlines are adjusting their airspeeds to meet their particular needs. A big problem is that a lot (not all) of pilots are doing this without informing ATC. Routinely, we'll get two identical aircraft from the same airline, departing the same airport 10 miles in trail. The front guy will be climbing at 230kts and the back guy at 320. Center separation is usually 5 miles, so it doesn't take very long at all from when I take the hand-off from approach, (and the back guy leaves 10000 feet and firewalls it), for him to catch his company in front, who's doing the econo-climb.

I've been doing this job for 20 years. When I started, you could always count on some airlines to fly fast, and others slow. It made for instant recognition when I saw the call sign, that I'd better double-check for over-takes.

Today, it's impossible, because like-types within the same airline are doing completely different things. We've been having a lot of "deals" (operational errors) because of this. Operating too slow or too fast hurts us, in that, we get de-certified, and lately, will lose money if we do. If we have too many deals (more than 3), we'll be fired.

You can help by informing us if you plan to fly significantly different than what your flight plan is filed for. In fact the Airman's Information Manual (AIM), while not an FAA "Order" (like the 7110.65 Air Traffic Handbook), says:

5-5-9. Speed Adjustments

a. Pilot.

1. Advises ATC any time cruising airspeed varies plus or minus 5 percent or 10 knots, whichever is greater, from that given in the flight plan.

Now, technically, it says "cruising airspeed", but I think they meant to differentiate it from when you're on an approach. If you're on a SID, there's a good chance there's a plane in front or behind you.

Thanks for reading this and please take it only as a view from the ground, and not ridicule.