Airbus intercepted by Mirage 2000

[anonymous-user]

Back on topic,

There's a great article about intercepting airliners after loss of communications from the RAF's National Operations Centre point of view in this month's BALPA log magazine. I'll try to find an electronic version.

[Chuck328]

TVR1 said:

I'm sure you will also agree that my point about getting back to actually flying, as opposed to relying totally on flight management sytems is something your industry is, once again, looking very closely at? But they don't really want to 'cause it's too expensive for the only very rare occurence that the pilots may actually need that training. And a very nice circular arguement ensues.

No I don't agree....up to a point. Depends on the airline. Some airlines have far more restrictive operating procedures that others. I'm lucky in that my outfit actively encourages manual flying when conditions are conducive ie nice day, light traffic at airport xyx, fill your boots. Added to that each time I go into the simulator they do make a point of getting us to go back to basics at some point over the two day session. It costs the company no more to have us demonstrate out manual handling skills in the sim. They are NOT looking at it again, it's always been this way. For this I am thankful. Lest try to never forget the basics....

TVR1 said:

Standing on your high horse and displaying the arrogance that is sometimes evident in your line of work is ok.

THAT kind of comment does piss me off and really does display your shear utter lack of understanding. There is no arrogance. What we do have is something I find quite invigorating in that this is one industry that when things go wrong we try to understand why (air accident investigation branches), so we can try to stop it happening again (ok lets leave the lawyers out for now, purely pilot talk). Please do not forget that despite very good CRM/Sim training etc etc we are still human and by definition, susceptible to mistakes.

TVR1 said:

Here's the thing. I am trying to put across my point of view. My first comment wasn't 'civil airline pilots are st!, discuss' was it? Some of your responses seem to have gone down that line.

It sure looked like that and as I have already said, my experience begs to differ. Again we are all human.

Finally....

TVR1 said:

Do me a favour though, this isn't the Lounge so shake hands and drink up!

Yeh I'd have a pint with you, you do show a keen interest.