Pushing Tin Feedback

[Mikey]

So I was talking to a Newcastle Air Traffic Controller last night (as you do). Had an interesting conversation once we'd got past the obvious: Is it really as stressful as that movie - what's it called - Pushing Tin or something?

Anyway, they had some interesting feedback on the transponder issue that's probably common knowledge and I'm just behind the times as usual. They thought that one of the big reasons that the transponder discussion is happening at the moment is due to windfarms.

Apparantly ATCs hate windfarms with a passion as it introduces lots of transient noise into the systems and so one solution is to get out of Mode 1 and into Mode 2 operation as standard (i.e. every one to have a transponder). It seems that windfarms are popping up everywhere in unfortunately not great locations for air traffic control.

They also thought that it is unlikely to be easy for the CAA to get this pushed in as the vocal reaction from gliders and microlight pilots is always so loud and strong, so as folks even further down the priority list it sounds like we need to just keep on staying on top of the debate and keep on making our voice heard wherever we can.

Another interesting thing was that they knew of glider sites (probably not paragliding but I could be wrong) that were literally right next to or in front of the flight path in of a significant airport (Scotland I think but I was too drunk to remember). I think I remember right that it was within controlled airspace and they just work around them when they know they are flying!

One final nice thing they said, is if we ever think about having a site for flying that could be in controlled air space to get in touch as maybe something could be worked out ?!? I'm not sure if we would ever need this but maybe the coast north of the tyne? Might be worth a discussion...

[John Wallis]

Interesting points Mike. Would never have thought that about wind farms. The site that's in/near controlled airspace might be Hillend in Edinburgh? Are you coming out flying again...? All the best for 2009.