For clarification – let us just for a moment, put aside the multiple acronyms, implications, rules, responsibilities and all the other clap-trap and resolve one important issue. Here we are, sat on the ramp at Darwin, 737 strapped on, passengers loaded, engines started, checks done and ready to roll, destination well to the South. Brakes off and we taxi out toward the NAP runway hold point.
At what stage are we (a) made aware of an inbound A320, (b) what the intentions of the inbound are; and, © by whom?
We know the NAP calls for opposite direction take-off and landing; furry muff (wind/weather permitting) – not a problem: provided we know where the inbound is and either communicate directly to sort out their intentions, ETA etc. (routine stuff) or be advised by a third party of those intentions. Once this is known, depending on circumstances, we can put the brakes on and wait a bit or, bugger off before the arrival.
With the required information it is just another day at the office; a doddle. Without any idea of traffic and of it's intentions, it is a game of Russian roulette. Don’t much care how we get that information; DIY or official - BUT it must be made accessible and timely.
The humble “All stations” at brakes off should at least alert anything inbound that we are on the move and open a dialogue – etc. Can’t operate deaf, dumb and blind, not when the one runway direction is used for departure and the opposite direction is used for arrival. No Sir, we cannot, not with impunity.
Toot - toot
At what stage are we (a) made aware of an inbound A320, (b) what the intentions of the inbound are; and, © by whom?
We know the NAP calls for opposite direction take-off and landing; furry muff (wind/weather permitting) – not a problem: provided we know where the inbound is and either communicate directly to sort out their intentions, ETA etc. (routine stuff) or be advised by a third party of those intentions. Once this is known, depending on circumstances, we can put the brakes on and wait a bit or, bugger off before the arrival.
With the required information it is just another day at the office; a doddle. Without any idea of traffic and of it's intentions, it is a game of Russian roulette. Don’t much care how we get that information; DIY or official - BUT it must be made accessible and timely.
The humble “All stations” at brakes off should at least alert anything inbound that we are on the move and open a dialogue – etc. Can’t operate deaf, dumb and blind, not when the one runway direction is used for departure and the opposite direction is used for arrival. No Sir, we cannot, not with impunity.
Toot - toot