Originally Posted by
MX727
The problem you run into is that pilots in general like the ability to use three runways into Memphis. Anything that cuts down on the 30 mile turn to final is generally applauded. Not saying that's the right attitude with respect to the CRDA concerns, but....
I wish you could come to the MEM Tower/TRACON and observe one of the FDX arrival pushes to see how we are essentially "force-fed" from the four corner posts of the airspace. This is not said to berate my fellow controllers at ZME, as they have their own issues, and their philosophy is to feed as many aircraft from each corner until MEM TRACON cries uncle.
Your 30-mile final is a result of the airlines, the FAA Command Center, local FAA Management at Memphis, and others -- allowing too many aircraft to enter the TRACON airspace at one time. It's called "front-loading", and for some reason, this is the way these folks like to do business. MEM Controllers have no option besides vectoring you all over the airspace in order to get you in line with the other traffic that beat you to the boundary -- it's like that early morning serpentine line at the airport check-in counter.
I'd like for someone to show Fred Smith a cost benefit analysis of how much money he's losing just in the MEM TRACON airspace when we are vectoring aircraft all over the sky just to turn you onto the downwind... abeam the airport... then 30+ miles north... then base turn to final... back to the airport... only to be issued go-around instructions and do it all over again because of CRDA operations.
Compare that scenario with metered departure times... some speed and spacing requirements enroute, which would ultimately allow you to have a pilot discretion descent at the boundary... fly directly to one of the step-down fixes... and then be cleared for the approach.
I know you guys hate to be delayed on the ground or in the air, but we are getting killed during some of the inbound arrival pushes -- NWA and FDX pushes -- and your fuel burn rate has to be off the charts.
Just wait until next year when all of the new Controllers who have just been hired are working in the TRACON. That's gonna get interesting, because all of the veteran guys and gals are going to the Tower after the first of the year, and the TRACON will be filled with ROOKIES.
No, they don't have a real union. Ask your friendly MEM controller about their imposed contract, their eroding workrules or several other issues. You'll get an earful.
Unfortunately, you are correct, we do not have STRIKE authorization due to the fact that we work for the government. NATCA has taken care of me throughout my career; NATCA has helped each and every Controller with pay and benefits over the years; and NATCA has done much to ensure the safety and integrity of the system.
NATCA may not be perfect, but they are the only game in town -- and the FAA is not looking out for my health and/or career.
MEM_ATC