Stormy Weather in UK today

so was the may day for low fuel, or because they couldnt land at Gatwick because of high winds? There were 4 fire trucks on runway is that normal?
I am wondering if I should do a flying without fear course, as I at this time do not want to fly again.

I would doubt that it'd be a full mayday call that would be put out, as that'd only be used if there was imminent danger.. more than likely was a PAN emergency call which would mean they'd get priority over other traffic to land at Stanstead. This call would be made because of the amount of fuel on the aircraft, wouldn't be because of the winds (although it was the wind that would have caused the aircraft to have less fuel left than it'd ideally have!) - this call however would be put out only when the crew know that the aircraft would start to be eating into its reserves of fuel (there still would have been fuel in reserve when landing!) purely so there's no risk of that happening! In any emergency call the emergency services will be alerted and on standby, can never be too careful!

Am sure a fear of flying course would explain all this sort of thing too, but I know that I feel in very safe hands on Virgin whatever may happen (and indeed on most other airlines in the UK!)

They could have just declared a "pan" rather than mayday and still received full priority for landing, I must say of all carriers virgin divert far more aircraft in bad weather than anyone else, whether they just carry less fuel or it is a company policy to not spend long time in holds and therefore divert and wait on ground saving fuel I don't know, but it is very noticeable that they divert far more times than others

thanks for the replys everyone
For Xmas we usually do a month in the states but this Xmas we are going up to the highlands ( and by sleeper train)
Maybe next year I will go on the course, as a lot of the noises scare me so if I knew what they were it might help.
This time a week ago we was on the way to the airport, its gone so quick thanks to the horrible jetlag. ):

thanks for the link to the flying without fear course, have had a read.

Jumbos can land at Stansed.

There was often a 747 or two at Stansted when I was commuting to Edinburgh. Made a change from the relentless parade of A319s and 737s....

Paul

The Flying Without Fear video that I believe is still shown on the VS IFE system is also on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNwf_WeYgFI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naTAdMQTh2Q

thanks will have a look, I am fine with flying if there are no bumpy bits. Its the bumpy bits that freak me out so am not sure if the course would help me or not?

thanks will have a look, I am fine with flying if there are no bumpy bits. Its the bumpy bits that freak me out so am not sure if the course would help me or not?

Yes because they will explain why the bumpy bits happen and how they built the plane to ensure its safe.