kc2aqg
2008-02-12, 11:15 PM
So I've been listening to the JFK Ground/Clearance feed all afternoon and as of this evening, I've noticed the ground controller who is handling arrivals making the following announcement every 3-5 minutes:
"If there's any aircraft out there that has their gate available and is sitting out on a taxiway or is stuck behind another aircraft, speak up now."
This is certainly, in my mind, the ATC/FAA response to the Valentine's day snowstorm last year. It's really interesting to listen to, and in every single case that I've heard so far, at least one flight has spoken up and been able to work its way to the gate. I am still hearing stories of 2.5+ hour gate waits, but at least it's not more and traffic seems to be moving around the airport much better than last year (for those who were listening during the Valentine's day storm).
If you have some time, listen to the live feed tonight or listen to the archives for sometime after 7 PM, they are just fascinating to listen to and picture in your head. And if any ATC happens to read this, it's days like this that reaffirm my respect for the job your guys do. JFK ATC is first class, no doubt about it.
"If there's any aircraft out there that has their gate available and is sitting out on a taxiway or is stuck behind another aircraft, speak up now."
This is certainly, in my mind, the ATC/FAA response to the Valentine's day snowstorm last year. It's really interesting to listen to, and in every single case that I've heard so far, at least one flight has spoken up and been able to work its way to the gate. I am still hearing stories of 2.5+ hour gate waits, but at least it's not more and traffic seems to be moving around the airport much better than last year (for those who were listening during the Valentine's day storm).
If you have some time, listen to the live feed tonight or listen to the archives for sometime after 7 PM, they are just fascinating to listen to and picture in your head. And if any ATC happens to read this, it's days like this that reaffirm my respect for the job your guys do. JFK ATC is first class, no doubt about it.