Quote:
Originally Posted by Cycle Pilot
This whole sequence of events occurred with the local controller. Who's to say he didn't declare minimum fuel with center or approach? I'm willing to bet he already had. He probably had requested 31R, also.
Then shame on the crew for not repeatedly declaring "min fuel" upon check-in and each subsequent communication (or declaring earlier) when things didn't go their way.
I don't know the entire circumstance of the situation, but as pilots we need to remember that the flow of communication goes both ways. Take whatever actions you deem necessary to protect the safety of your aircraft- that's what Captain's Authority is all about-
However also remember that as a captain you have a responsibility to do everything possible to prevent getting yourself into a situation where you need to exercise emergency authority. That starts WELL before the point where you have to take uncoordinated action/maneuvers in a busy traffic area.
I wonder if all of the people on this forum would be offering the same kudos to the crew if after breaking out of the approach (unannounced/coordinated with ATC) they had a mid air?
Regardless of ATC's limitations/capabilities/intent, we need to work TOGETHER.
One of the pilots reiterating that they were min fuel / emergency fuel when checking in could have solved a lot of issues. The crew being PROACTIVE could have as well. Simply thinking "Gee- the winds are gusty and right at the max crosswind limits... maybe we should take the conservative route and let ATC know we need 31R" well ahead of getting on with approach could have prevented this situation in the first place.
Better communication (by both parties) could have occurred here.