A380 MONSTER arriving at LHR

ianhind · Post by **ianhind** » 17 May 2006, 16:22

Anyone know the ATC frequency for the leg across from OTBED to SONEX on UL26.

Might at least listen to progress even if I can't see it. Given a clear day and a reasonable altitude it might be visible from here as a big silver blob.

Ian

PeteP · Post by **PeteP** » 17 May 2006, 18:42

Unfortunately, I'm not back at work until after the visit but I'll do my best from memory.

Your best bet would be to try to pick it up while still high level over the North Sea. The first London Sector will be Sector 11 on 126.780 which is an 8.33kHz frequency - if your scanner is not 8.33 capable, I'm told you can still receive it by selecting the 25kHz frequency of 126.775!

When the aircraft starts its descent, it'll be transferred to London S10 on 128.125. If the traffic at the time is light, S11 and S10 will be bandboxed (combined) with the frequencies cross-coupled so you'll be able to hear both frequencies by tuning in to 128.125.

I guess it'll be treated like any other Manchester TMA inbound and so will be descended to FL280 level abeam OTBED. Approaching OTBED, it will be transferred to Manchester East Sector on (if my memory serves me correctly) 133.8. I'm afraid Manchester operations are a mystery to me - and everyone else for that matter (sorry, ATC in-joke) - but it will either be then transferred to MACC S29 on 118.775 or direct to a TMA sector and I've no idea what they use.

With any luck, if you scan those 4 frequencies, you should pick it up somewhere along the route.
PP

ianhind · Post by **ianhind** » 17 May 2006, 21:20

Thanks Pete.

Better get the scanner manual out to figure out how to program in those frequencies - not used it in a while.

Ian

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 18 May 2006, 08:28

PeteP wrote: I'm afraid Manchester operations are a mystery to me - and everyone else for that matter

OI!

crisso · Post by **crisso** » 18 May 2006, 09:41

Away from scanners, etc., and back to 'mk1 eyeball'.

At present (0840 UTC) the EGLL winds are 230/13.8. Presumably then the landing will be on 27L? My question is, after MALBY will it be a STAR via OCK or BNN? so I know which way to look out for. (sorry, but don't have my charts with me at my office which is at Eastern side of City of London and can normally see LHR arrivals turning nicely onto to 27 L/R ILS.)

Any info appreciated so I can hopefully see the beast from my building's roof.

PeteP · Post by **PeteP** » 18 May 2006, 10:09

VEGAS wrote:OI!

Down, boy, down!

As I said, it was an ATC in-joke aimed specifically the staff (very few of whom are locals) who operate the Manchester Area Control Centre (MACC) and not at Mancunians in general. I'm pretty certain all organisations, including the armed services, have a particular section or sections that tend to be the butt of professional jokes - MACC just happens to be ours.

Take care.
Pete

PeteP · Post by **PeteP** » 18 May 2006, 10:13

crisso wrote:Presumably then the landing will be on 27L? My question is, after MALBY will it be a STAR via OCK or BNN? so I know which way to look out for.

Unless there have been some special procedures published which I haven't seen, it will be via OCK for 27L.
PP

Post by **Garry Russell** » 18 May 2006, 14:04

Well like it or not...it certainly looks impressive on the news

Certainly one of those marked in history days.

Garry

Charlie Bravo · Post by **Charlie Bravo** » 18 May 2006, 14:17

Shame Sky News insisted on getting that twat David Learmont on :roll:

jonesey2k · Post by **jonesey2k** » 18 May 2006, 14:27

My old man flew down to see it. Ill post the pics when he gets back.
I would have went myself buit Im skint atm :sad: