HK Ground Freq's

[BusyB]

The practice of the controllers running 2 frequencies at once during the evening departures is extremely irritating, not to say cumbersome and seems to cause delays on every occasion. Is this really an approved practice? I always thought this was something that was actively discouraged. I expect better from a major Intl Airport. ATC views would be much appreciated.

[PPRuNe Radar]

BusyB,

Could be for a variety of reasons.

If it doesn't normally happen then it could be down to staff sickness. So rather than let the operation grind to a halt they try their best to keep things moving.

If it's regular, then it's a management issue. They may have staff shortages (who doesn't in ATC these days?) but are employing the same technique as above. They may have beancounters who have decided that the provision of an extra staff member is too costly, or the operators may have said they're not willing to pay that price.

Sorry not to know the answer but that's just some possibilities for starters. Maybe if you're laying over in HKG you could arrange a visit to ATC and find out the real reason. Visiting is usually a good way of raising the issue and perhaps even getting ATC to do something about it.

Let us know what happens.


[This message has been edited by PPRuNe Radar (edited 24 February 1999).]

[Exit visa]

Whether short of staff all the time or just on the odd occasion it is still far easier and more importantly far safer to banbox both positions to one frequency, even if that frequency will then be quite busy.