Trans States Lands At Wrong Airport

[Kohflot]

I apologize, because it sounds like my question is being taken rhetorically.

I'm a dispatcher.

This all came up with rightrudder saying that his/her alternate was blocked off by a line of severe weather. That just sounds (on the surface) like an avoidable situation.

 

[BlackPilot628]

Mr. Ted, Very well said.

I've flown to destinations before where their is a line of weather between the 1st Alternate and the Second Alternate. They try to use Alternates that are specified in the OPSPEC's for a particular company.
Obviously, you're not going to fly through a line of weather unless the intensity is low and the P.I.C (along with the dispatcher) feel it is safe to navigate thru the weather. If not, we will have to land at the nearest suitable airport for fuel if needed.

I hope this also clears up your question, Kohflot

 

[Ted Striker]

I apologize, because it sounds like my question is being taken rhetorically.

I'm a dispatcher.

This all came up with rightrudder saying that his/her alternate was blocked off by a line of severe weather. That just sounds (on the surface) like an avoidable situation.

I agree, it probably is an avoidable situation. You know as well as I how dynamic the situation can be. I've heard guys on the radio that were he-ll bent on going to their filed alternate-just because that's what it said on the release. A lot depends on the dispatcher. Like pilots, some are better than others. Hopefully the PIC will make them get a better alternate so that their plan B is acceptable. I find a plan C is not a bad idea either. Sorry if I came across wrong, didn't know you were in the biz.

 

[efiscompmon]

I think the reference was to a TSA J32 crew in '98 who were cleared for the visual, cleared to land in Paducah, but landed across the river in Metropolis (i think--in Illinois at any rate).

The problem arose from the fact that they landed, realised the boner, taxied back and took off for the hop to Paducah, landing off the original clearance. Whoops. The crew did not fare well.

TSA's ops specs were modified to require that all visual approaches MUST be backed up with instrument guidance. This was really popular for those of us on the west coast--LAX to PSP at 1030 at night, tower closed. Clear and a zillion, overfly the airport, go out another 15 miles to thermal for the full procedure. Or take a chance on the visual and a fed waiting to bust you.

Fun job we have.

 

[Balou]

Hey windtcty-after reading what everyone has to say to your post do you feel stupid now or were you just miss informed and jumped to the conclusion that all pilots at Trans states are flying around and are lucky if they land at the right airport ?

 

[ATTCS]

Hey windtcty-after reading what everyone has to say to your post do you feel stupid now or were you just miss informed and jumped to the conclusion that all pilots at Trans states are flying around and are lucky if they land at the right airport ?

I wonder if he/she is bright enough to hear the laughter.

 

[GFunk20]

Atleast everyone ended up safe. What would we be saying today if they had run out of fuel all together and put it down in a forest? We dont need another fatality at anytime, much less with all the stuff that has been going recently.

Trans States pilots have always been great and professional to me, I use them to commute out of STL.