Author Topic: Now, now, children (Read 11149 times)

Cleared2Land · « **on:** August 28, 2007, 09:40:49 PM »

This vignette is from Philly Tower a few weeks ago. US Air is upset about Air Tran (which had been on the ground over an hour waiting for a Boston thunderstorm to end) going first, and is tongue-lashed by a controller; another pilot chides them both.

cessna157 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2007, 12:06:59 AM »

The comment from USAir and the comment from the controller were both unnecessary. USAir doesn't need to worry about Air Tran. And controllers often forget that we, as airline pilots, try to give as much information as possible to the passengers we're taking for airplane rides. Usually figuring out sequences is easy. Even at JFK when you're number 45 in line for takeoff, it's fairly easy to get the timing down. When we ask the controller for a sequence, there's usually a good reason for it, whether it be for the passengers or for our planning purposes on starting engines, checklists, etc....

phlcontroller · « **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2007, 08:37:59 PM »

Figuring out sequence is usually easy. But, when your in SWAP, it's a whole different ball game. I guarantee that was a SWAP night in philly. No piece of cake working local.....if you only knew. SWAP always sucks at philly.

zmeatc · « **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2007, 09:16:14 PM »

Yea a SWAP day makes me want to call in sick lol/jk. But yea it sucks.

davys747 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2007, 06:20:20 PM »

This is new to me. What is SWAP?

zmeatc · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2007, 06:47:53 PM »

SWAP = Severe weather Avoidance Plan. Its what flow controllers use when weather is affecting major airports. Also known as a "Play Book" Its like an alternate route around storms to get to an airport. Hope this helps. Its been a long day at work.