Thread: Advising ATC of airspeed changes
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Old 03-30-2008 | 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ewrbasedpilot
Lately the number of delays and deviations during a flight have just about become unbearable, thereby causing massive diverts (VERY expensive to the airlines). It seems that little is being addressed to expedite a B-777 into it's destination after a 15 hour flight so that an RJ isn't inconvenienced (just an example so don't get defensive) even though they are both in the same holding pattern.
No worries, it would take a lot to get me defensive. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), we operate on a first come first served basis. I completely understand the dilemma you are referencing, I just don't know where the fix would come from. It would have to be a collaborative decision between industry (our customer) and the FAA. Where would you draw the line (time wise I mean). The example you gave is very blatant, the RJ on a hour and 10 minute flight, or a 777 from Ecuador on 15 hour flight. The answer seems pretty clear there, for both environmental as well as economic factors, 777 should take priority. But what of it wasn't so cut and dry, say an RJ on a two hour flight and 737-800 on a three hour flight (just an arbitrary example). Who would make all these calls? Controllers? Airlines? I do think we need to take a look at type aircraft in relation to congested airports. And you're right, a 50 seat RJ causing a 777 to divert just plain sucks, and the situation needs to be analyzed and addressed.

We have flow control into EWR and JFK every day, some days we're asked to get 40 miles in trail, and I know the aircrew just cringe when I give them a 40 degree turn for the spacing. Trust me, I'd rather not, I know it's costing a fortune in gas, and in the end it hurts our economy as a whole when you look at it from a big picture stand point. I can tell you right now, none of the controllers get off on that kind of stuff.
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