Which would you rather?

[ISaidRightTurns]

Move up or down 2 FL's?
(Rides are the same)

Turn 15 degrees off course for 1-1.5 minutes?
(WX not a factor)

Money is on the line.

 

[FracCapt]

Depends on many factors. Can we even climb due to a/c weight? Will we have enough fuel to make our destination if we descend? How far from destination are we?

Generally, I'd rather take the turn....but if we're close to destination, or simply would like to go higher, I'd take the lower/higher altitude respectively.

 

[MTpilot]

Turn me.

 

[2000flyer]

Enroute, turn or if other conditions are met, climb. Close to destination, turn or descend.

Generally speaking, I'd prefer to turn.

2000Flyer

 

[gern_blanston]

Normally, the turn.

 

[viper548]

I'll take a turn too

 

[UnstableAviator]

Turn.

 

[semperfido]

ok i'll bite too---TURN

now what's the punch line?

 

[EagleRJ]

Turn if it looks like a good direct clearance will be given to get us back on course.

Speaking of sequencing, why is it that Approach will slow you AND let you cut the corner on the arrival? Isn't that self-defeating?

 

[ISaidRightTurns]

Turn if it looks like a good direct clearance will be given to get us back on course.

Speaking of sequencing, why is it that Approach will slow you AND let you cut the corner on the arrival? Isn't that self-defeating?

Most people subscribe to the theory of get them all pointed in the same direction, then use speed. It negates the wind and gives a better idea of speed difference; therefore how much spacing you will have in 2 minutes, 3 minutes....

 

[ISaidRightTurns]

Thanks for all the answers. I win.

 

[Vector4fun]

Speaking of sequencing, why is it that Approach will slow you AND let you cut the corner on the arrival? Isn't that self-defeating?

Depends on the situation, if there's more coming from a different direction, puts you 3-4 miles in front, making a nice string for finals, but you'll have to slow earlier because of compression with the folks ahead. Not always the best technique, but if you don't have too many altitudes to use, then you work with what you have.

I notice some folks use a lot of vertical separation, while others play the game in a much more two dimentional manner. I use lots of vertical, but I've generally always had lots of altitudes available, and I was "raised" in a non-radar approach, where vertical is your best friend.

 

[User546]

Although you've already won the bet, I'd go with turn as well.

Much quicker, easier, and less to manage then a climb. If we really wanted to be 2 FL's higher, we'd probably already have been there by that time!

 

[91100 100 set]

Turn if it looks like a good direct clearance will be given to get us back on course.

Speaking of sequencing, why is it that Approach will slow you AND let you cut the corner on the arrival? Isn't that self-defeating?

What kind of money we are talking about? Fuel or time? I'll take a nice direct routing to the approach control gate and a reduction to some more fuel efficient speed if fuel is the issue. No sense in hauling ass all over some zig-zag arrival routing when you can get there in the same time going direct at a slower speed.