A380 in service

[Jagohu]

Hi all,

Is here anyone, who have actually worked already with the SIA A380(s)? As I've heard they were planning to fly Singapore-Sydney... Since as I've noticed there're a few Australian chaps here, I thought maybe...
I'd be curious what separation do you apply - since during the test flights we had to apply 2000' or 10 nm which was quite a pain... I hope now it's standard RVSM separation...
Cheers!

[126,7]

We also only had them on the test flights. Those seps are crazy in RVSM airspace. Don't think that there will be any change to those criteria.

[AirNoServicesAustralia]

They did all their hot weather testing here at Al Ain near Abu Dhabi (UAE) and the first time they were here we had increased separation, but by the last trip we had been advised by ICAO that they were a normal heavy and were to be treated as such, so 5 NM radar separation and one thousand feet.

[SonicTPA]

In the UK, a new vortex category, called "super", coded "J" on flight plans, has been created.

ATSIN 93 gives the vortex separation, and the next amendment of the MATS Part 1 will incorporate the new category.

Basically, it's a category above Heavy, and adds a couple of miles to the distance of the various categories following behind.

[SM4 Pirate]

In the UK, a new vortex category, called "super", coded "J" on flight plans, has been created. Same in Oz, but it begs the question isn't it smaller than the Antinov, so why no "super" category for that one?

The extra wake turb adds from memory about 2 to 4 miles on top of the current "H" tables, 6 between a J and H, 8 between a J and M, 10 between a J and an L, I think; but 1000ft is ok, even in RVSM and 5NM lateral ok too.

[dunadan06]

Same in Oz, but it begs the question isn't it smaller than the Antinov, so why no "super" category for that one?

Maybe because the Antonov is no competitor to a Seattle based Cie?

[Fox3snapshot]

Looked after the one that went through on the delivery flight, all I know is that it smoked on descent! Caught us off guard a bit and I think he cruises at 'Thumper' speeds too, 0.85 - 0.86.

BIG and fast :eek:

[lukas_rasa]

EDIT:
extract of
ICAO doc TEC/OPS/SEP (T11/72) – 06-0320.SLG (9 October 2006) - Wake Vortex Aspects of A380 aircraft
(work of the experts of JAA, FAA, EUROCONTROL and AIRBUS)

2. INDICATION OF AIRCRAFT TYPE
2.1 For A380-800 aircraft the letter “J” should be entered into the space allocated to wake turbulence under Item 9 of the ICAO flight plan.
2.2 For A380-800 aircraft the expression “SUPER” should be included immediately after the aircraft call sign in the initial radiotelephony contact between such aircraft and ATS units.

4. RADAR WAKE TURBULENCE SEPARATION MINIMA
4.1 The following wake turbulence radar separation minima should be applied to aircraft in the approach and departure phases of flight...

Preceding aircraft/Succeeding aircraft/Vortex sep.minima
A380-800............A380-800............7.4 km (4.0 NM)
A380-800............HEAVY................11.1 km (6.0 NM)
A380-800............MEDIUM..............14.8 km (8.0 NM)
A380-800............LIGHT.................18.5 km (10.0 NM)



the whole thing > http://www.eurocontrol.int/safety/gallery/content/public/06-0320-EN%20-%20Wake%20Vortex%20Aspects%20of%20A380%20aircraft.pdf

[Jagohu]

lukas_rasa:

Yeah, I've seen that a year ago, but since then nothing has changed in our procedures - although we're the company who issued that report, for me it seems like noone really cares to believe the experts who did it or to do something...

[SINGAPURCANAC]

Yeah, I've seen that a year ago, but since then nothing has changed in our procedures
What do you expect from EC? To work for money under time presure?

[levelD]

Well JAGOHU .... Seems like you need to brush up on the internal notes and other briefing sheets before your QMP!!!:rolleyes:
April 2007 is where you want to look at.
Since the 10th of May 2007 , it is - clearly - stipulated that seperation standards ( for en-route ) are the ones applied for all other traffic , i.e. 1000 feet (2000 feet if Non-RVSM) and 5NM.
Singapurcanac , the interest of your inputs are often reverse-proportional to the beauty of your location...:oh:
cheers
LevelD

[Jagohu]

Hmmm, I was on leave then, so that's why... Anyway thanks a lot, I'll have a look at it next cycle! :)

[rab-k]

Worked the proving/trial/test (whatever) flights back and forth across the 'Pond' - made no odds to us Oceanic bods. Just another punter with ADS/CPDLC - which is nice :ok: