BA038 [Beijing - LHR] refuelling at LGW
Nov 18, 2018, 9:14 am
#1
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BA038 [Beijing - LHR] refuelling at LGW
Currently sitting on the ground at LGW while BA38 refuels in order to carry on to LHR. Strong headwinds over Russia and 20 mins spent waiting for a slot at Heathrow have caused the unscheduled stop. Here’s hoping we get underway soon!
Nov 18, 2018, 9:17 am
#2
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That's a Beijing -> Heathrow service for the benefit etc.
Nov 18, 2018, 9:38 am
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Eurocontrol has indicated that a combination of weather and capacity issues is causing delays at Heathrow, the funnel effect around Reading looks fairly full. I know they are doing some significant work close to the northern runway at the moment. I imagine the captain diverted simply because though he probably had enough to glide into LHR after the predicted hold, at that point there wouldn't have enough contingency left. Another day, another hour, it wouldn't have been needed. Mind you, Eurocontrol also said LGW would have a busy day too.
Nov 18, 2018, 9:38 am
#6
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Thanks for the update. Just been told we’re hoping to be airborne by 17.20 and ‘the good news’ is we have plenty of fuel in case we get stacked again!
Nov 18, 2018, 9:48 am
#9
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Eurocontrol has indicated that a combination of weather and capacity issues is causing delays at Heathrow, the funnel effect around Reading looks fairly full. I know they are doing some significant work close to the northern runway at the moment. I imagine the captain diverted simply because though he probably had enough to glide into LHR after the predicted hold, at that point there wouldn't have enough contingency left. Another day, another hour, it wouldn't have been needed. Mind you, Eurocontrol also said LGW would have a busy day too.
Nov 18, 2018, 9:57 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Eurocontrol has indicated that a combination of weather and capacity issues is causing delays at Heathrow, the funnel effect around Reading looks fairly full. I know they are doing some significant work close to the northern runway at the moment. I imagine the captain diverted simply because though he probably had enough to glide into LHR after the predicted hold, at that point there wouldn't have enough contingency left. Another day, another hour, it wouldn't have been needed. Mind you, Eurocontrol also said LGW would have a busy day too.
Fuel planning basically gives you Reserve plus Diversion fuel at Destination. That is a flight to the destination airport including a full arrival and approach procedure followed by a full missed approach procedure and diversion to land at the Alternate airport. There will also be any unused contingency fuel, which is fuel for inflight contingencies, like unexpected headwinds and not getting the planned level etc.
The absolute minimum to land with or Reserve fuel - force majeure notwithstanding - is 30 minutes flying, at the planned landing weight at 1500 feet above the destination airfield. There is never a case where gliding would be anticipated.
The Commander may elect to take Additional fuel for anticipated holding based upon their experience, a reading of the weather and other considerations such as max landing weight and possibly max take off weight.
Diversion fuel can be dispensed with in certain circumstances but minimum Reserve must always be preserved, so, for example arriving at LHR with Alternate fuel for LGW, good weather and no airfield or aircraft deficiencies, and a known holding time and an Expected Approach Time issued, one may elect to dispense with the Alternate fuel. This fuel may then be used for additional holding fuel. However, this additional fuel would typically only amount to about 20 minutes flying when the alternate is as close as LGW. so you only gain a limited ability to loiter in the hold. If the excepted delay is longer than the loiter time you have or can generate then you must divert in order to land with minimum Reserve.
Nov 18, 2018, 9:59 am
#11
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What utter incompetence. Did the pilot not make the situation known to LHR Control? Or did LHR control refuse to expedite the plane out of the stacks?
Nov 18, 2018, 10:02 am
#12
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Nov 18, 2018, 10:04 am
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Nov 18, 2018, 10:07 am
#15
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