ewrbasedpilot

Yesterday I commuted from EWR to FLL. We started in EWR and the delays were incredible. No WX at the time (just a sprinkling rain), but it took us an hour and a half to depart with only minimal airplanes waiting to depart. I think they were releasing planes at the rate of about one every 4 minutes or so. When we finally got airborne and were approximately 300 miles from FLL, they told us we would have a minimum of 45 minutes of holding to get in. Due to the long delay getting out of EWR (B757), we had little to no holding fuel and ended up diverting to PBI. ATC flew us within 15 miles of PBI, turned us back north for approximately 80 miles, and then brought us back in. We landed, got fuel, and were told their would be no delays to FLL. After we started up and headed to the runway, we were given an HOUR delay (no WX at the time I might add), so we pulled into a holding area and shut down. Five minutes later we were told to start up and hurry to the runway for our "slot time". After takeoff (westbound), they flew us almost 20 miles NORTH of PBI, after which we made a long right turn out to the coast. We climbed to 8000 feet. (The flightplan was for 15 minutes). As soon as we reached 8000 feet, they headed us directy towards FLL and started us descending. When we got to within 5 miles of the airport, they turned us out for a 30 mile downwind/final into FLL (landing west) with all the flaps and gear hanging out. Our 15 minute flight turned into 33 minutes of actual flying time. This small 40 mile hop was just about on the verge of being ridiculous. The amount of money spent on this divert/fuel was incredible. I'm wondering if the government had to pay for the fuel, diverts, and delays caused by THEIR antiquated system, if it might get their attention. As of now, the EMPLOYEES are paying an arm and a leg for all the consequences induced by this outdated system. Enough is enough. When is all this going to stop? ATC seems to think fuel grows on trees. Direct routing is a joke. It amazes me that to land at just about any airport in the USA, you have to fly to the airport, 30 miles past it, and then return to land. What a massive waste of fuel................not to mention having a small business jet taking its owner on a boon-doggle, while 5000 passengers in 73's, 74's, 75's, 76's, and 77's sit waiting to go. Think I'm kidding? We sat waiting to takeoff in SXM the other day behind a couple of other carriers for a Gulfstream to land. ONE passenger got out of the plane. Nice to know he was so important...............

Murano

The government won't do anything about it. They will fly a special 5 oz screw for an F-16 from the US to Germany on a C-17.

Spaceman Spliff

Congress is too busy questioning Roger Clemens to expeditiously fund the new ATC infrastructure...

ewrbasedpilot

Boy, you've got that right. When I was in the reserves, they put us on a C-17 to help me get some Civil Air Patrol cadets around on a regulary scheduled flight from Charleston to Andrews. When we flew back to Charleston, they were continuing on with ONE space available retiree whom they flew all the way to Homestead, FL, so the pilots could "maintain their currency". Funny thing is, is that the aircraft commander worked for UPS, and the copilot for American. You could have bought the space available guy 20 first class tickets on the Concorde for what his journey cost the US taxpayers. Our military sure knows how to waste $$$$...............

FliFast

EWR,

I think you used the word boon-doggle. I agree.

If I remember SXM, it has no radar, the guy in the tower uses a tin can and a string to talk to airplanes.

Total thread hijack...Murano, what is your avatar of ??? Reminds me of my crew emal the other day.

Ok, back to the NYC ATC shuffle.

FF

jdt30

I've flown a guy with a broken leg from Kadena to Hickam. About a 10 hr flight burning 10k and hour.

Spaceman Spliff

I hear you....I had to take a guy from Kadena to Hickam so he could go to some sort of counseling for his alcoholism.

jdt30

Since he was a quitter did you make up for him by closing down the barefoot bar?

NJGov

The avatar is from an episode of Seinfeld entitled "The Butter Shave," the person in the turkey is Cosmo.

To the OP: I understand your frustration, especially trying to get into FLL. The procedures here are terrible because we lack the second runway (which should be "approved" any day now, but I digress) to land heavy traffic. However, weather in this area was terrible yesterday and the day before, and there were MANY residual delays and canceled flights. It is difficult to work everyone in but I believe ATC does try their best. Also do not forget that ATC provides services to everyone, not just IFR aircraft or commercial operators.

ce650

Yeah, what he said.