Thanksgiving "Express Lanes"
11-16-2007, 06:45 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2007
Position: Ramen-eating duck driver
Posts: 255
Thanksgiving "Express Lanes"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washing...terstitialskip
Does this have any real effect, other than political?
Does this have any real effect, other than political?
11-16-2007, 08:12 AM
#2
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 88
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also calling extra air-traffic controllers to work overtime, suspending maintenance work and imposing new procedures to ease delays in New York, where three-quarters of all delays around the country originate.
You know, I'm not a controller, but I can really sympathize with them these days. Is it any wonder why these guys are retiring en masse?
11-16-2007, 09:05 AM
#3
APC co-founder
Joined APC: Feb 2005
Position: B777
Posts: 5,853
I've seen a few maps published in the media and it looks like the new express lanes are over water routes (more than 50 NM from land).
One week before the intended rush, how many of the aircraft intended to use this airspace will be configured for over-water operations (complete with over-water qualified flight attendants and pilots)? As mentioned above, the FAA hasn't announced plans to staff the new plan with additional controllers for arrival corridors. As we all know en route spacing is rarely a problem - it's the arrival and approach facilities that need relief. Unfortunately, this plan doesn't seem to address this issue for holiday travelers next week.
I'm sure airlines will have plenty to say about "congestion pricing" and "delay premiums". In theory it sounds like way to reduce some congestion, but there is no evidence that the Whitehouse actually coordinated anything with the FAA in terms of operational capability.
Airspace modernization is sorely needed, it's been promised for decades but sadly only seems to receive lip service. My prediction for the "Express Lane" plan is that it will be a dismal failure as it doesn't address the real problem - airport arrival rates and terminal aircraft separation.
One week before the intended rush, how many of the aircraft intended to use this airspace will be configured for over-water operations (complete with over-water qualified flight attendants and pilots)? As mentioned above, the FAA hasn't announced plans to staff the new plan with additional controllers for arrival corridors. As we all know en route spacing is rarely a problem - it's the arrival and approach facilities that need relief. Unfortunately, this plan doesn't seem to address this issue for holiday travelers next week.
I'm sure airlines will have plenty to say about "congestion pricing" and "delay premiums". In theory it sounds like way to reduce some congestion, but there is no evidence that the Whitehouse actually coordinated anything with the FAA in terms of operational capability.
Airspace modernization is sorely needed, it's been promised for decades but sadly only seems to receive lip service. My prediction for the "Express Lane" plan is that it will be a dismal failure as it doesn't address the real problem - airport arrival rates and terminal aircraft separation.
11-16-2007, 01:25 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: DC9 Capt.
Posts: 108
This is just another case of Fearless Leader playing to the cameras. The problem lies not in the enroute segment, but in the overloaded hub airports at rush hour, where airlines stubbornly continue to schedule more operations than the airports can handle. JFK is the poster child for this discussion, where (if I remember the numbers correctly) they schedule 140-160 operations per hour- the airport at best can handle around 120. No increase in routes can fix this type of abuse.
11-16-2007, 04:31 PM
#7
layin' in tha cut...
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: C-130 Flying Crew Chief
Posts: 138
I've seen a few maps published in the media and it looks like the new express lanes are over water routes (more than 50 NM from land).
One week before the intended rush, how many of the aircraft intended to use this airspace will be configured for over-water operations (complete with over-water qualified flight attendants and pilots)? As mentioned above, the FAA hasn't announced plans to staff the new plan with additional controllers for arrival corridors. As we all know en route spacing is rarely a problem - it's the arrival and approach facilities that need relief. Unfortunately, this plan doesn't seem to address this issue for holiday travelers next week.
I'm sure airlines will have plenty to say about "congestion pricing" and "delay premiums". In theory it sounds like way to reduce some congestion, but there is no evidence that the Whitehouse actually coordinated anything with the FAA in terms of operational capability.
Airspace modernization is sorely needed, it's been promised for decades but sadly only seems to receive lip service. My prediction for the "Express Lane" plan is that it will be a dismal failure as it doesn't address the real problem - airport arrival rates and terminal aircraft separation.
One week before the intended rush, how many of the aircraft intended to use this airspace will be configured for over-water operations (complete with over-water qualified flight attendants and pilots)? As mentioned above, the FAA hasn't announced plans to staff the new plan with additional controllers for arrival corridors. As we all know en route spacing is rarely a problem - it's the arrival and approach facilities that need relief. Unfortunately, this plan doesn't seem to address this issue for holiday travelers next week.
I'm sure airlines will have plenty to say about "congestion pricing" and "delay premiums". In theory it sounds like way to reduce some congestion, but there is no evidence that the Whitehouse actually coordinated anything with the FAA in terms of operational capability.
Airspace modernization is sorely needed, it's been promised for decades but sadly only seems to receive lip service. My prediction for the "Express Lane" plan is that it will be a dismal failure as it doesn't address the real problem - airport arrival rates and terminal aircraft separation.
HerkFCC
11-17-2007, 04:53 AM
#8
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
Maybe they could up the operations by extending the runways @ JFK, and doing an Oshkosh style of arrivals. "Jet Blue XXX red-dot, United XXX blue-dot, etc.. Cleared to land!" Might as well join the madness with my idea, it's better than the Governments plan.
11-17-2007, 10:20 PM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Position: FOD
Posts: 536
OMG, that's hilarious!!! Plus, nobody read back any clearances, just rock your wings if you understand.
