Occasionally the flight strip will come through with a notation requiring a full readback of the routing, usually because something's been changed by flight-planning. Recently, however, we've been getting more coming through requiring that readback even when the routing is simply direct. I don't kno...

It's been suggested to me by a colleague that my previous post likely came off more harshly than I intended. My writing is generally ham-fisted, so I have no doubt this is the case. I will attempt to clarify. The majority of controllers I've met work hard, and care about doing a good job. I mention ...

Sorry in advance for the rambling nature of this post. I'm hoping it'll get conversation started regardless. I have a question for pilots -- what is your opinion of air traffic controllers? There seems to be a lot of bitterness and anger amongst the posts on this board, and I'm wondering if you fee...

Anyone have any further details?


http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breaki ... 89174.html

Class 2

On the departure end of things, the controller is likely waiting to make sure the lander ahead of you is going to make the planned exit. When spacing between arrivals is minimal -- and it sounds like it usually is in Calgary -- then I would not put you to position until I was sure the aircraft rolli...

I heard this rumour as well when I went through NCTI, but I never saw any evidence of it. There were several people on my course significantly older than 30 who were successful.

There were two NATO 707s expected, I believe. As well, there was a US KC-135 that diverted Friday morning with an engine out. Nice to see something other than RJs and '37s

The interpretation seems to change frequently. I'm told by some of the older guys in the unit that this has flip-flopped several times in their careers. Currently, as far as the tower is concerned, all you need to worry about is visibility. Three miles and 300 feet, depart VFR. Two and a half miles ...

Generally the tail-number is fine for movement or activities on the aprons. Once you are on the taxiways however, I'd much prefer a civil ident. At night -- when you AME types are doing your best work :) -- even something general like "Westjet Aircraft on gate 80" is fine for most purposes. I'd imag...

That does seem to be the opinion of some

It's a tool in the box, as long as it's there, I'll happily use it if it helps move traffic

I don't believe there's a published rule (I certainly could be wrong... the books and I don't get along ) I will generally use the end of the runway that's active (or likely to have traffic arriving), so that a pilot has a better picture of what's going on around the airport.

It's called Land And Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) and is frequently used in Winnipeg, particularly when 18 is active, due to the length of runway available before crossing 13/31 (as well, terminal doesn't have the same options for building in spacing between arrivals when all the arriving aircraft ...

There is a point about 60 miles south of Winnipeg called Humbolt (HML)... it's possible that was listed and someone along the line incorrectly translated it to Hamilton Who knows?

This particular tape was actually part of our VFR refresher a few years ago. Even with my minimal experience, I couldn't believe how the controller reacted. The pilot says we're lost and on an active runway and she completely disregards it. Very well done by the third aircraft to hold, you know that...

It was a hydraulic problem. There was much talk of runway conditions, because I believe they came in with no flaps (or brakes).

I know it's flame-bait, but I'm going to respond anyway. I think it's a safety issue, not a "controllers are useless" issue. They shouldn't be taking on more than they can safely manage. If they're understaffed that number gets lower because they're working longer sessions, and more hours. Unfortuna...