V-Flyer

Checked out the flight status on here just now. Looks like Lady Penelope paid a visit to the Azores just now. Back on her way to UVF now so hopefully it shouldnt cause too much disruption.

On the subject of VFAB, is that aircraft permanently based at LGW now?

jwhite9185 wrote:On the subject of VFAB, is that aircraft permanently based at LGW now?

One of the LHR 747's is almost permanently working ex LGW currently, and it seems to be FAB that is doing the majority of that, although I don't think it has officially been moved over to LGW, although ISTBC on that.

Well its at least one i think, as ive seen both VHOT and VFAB there on one occasion!

Also noticed VROC was covering the BGI route yesterday while VFAB went to MCO.

Does anyone know the cause of this diversion? A two and a half hour stop seems quite long just to disembark an ill pax....?

Matt

mattyp wrote:Does anyone know the cause of this diversion? A two and a half hour stop seems quite long just to disembark an ill pax....?

Matt

It will take quite a time for the pax to be assessed by the on the ground medic before removal from the plane. They will be thinking 'do we really need to disembark them here with all the problems that ensues or are they fit enough to travel'

Maybe somne time to find and remove their luggage and family?

Plane will need to file a new flight plan to its destination airport - will there be space to land at the new expected arrival time? There could be landing restrictions in place for the new time.

Will probbaly need to refuel as well.

And there are probbaly loads of forms to be filled in too.

And you can never find a pen when you really need one ...

V-FAB is based at LGW permanently now
Tontybear has it spot on with all the things that have to be sorted when you divert. As it's an airport Virgin dont usually visit it takes a long time to organise payment for refuelling etc, you cant just pop it on your visa card, the company has to arrange payment and it be confirmed before the fuel company will oblige and it can take hours:(

....and I suppose process payment for the re-fuel too! "Sorry captain, we don't accept Amex"....

Thanks Tonty

but imagine the miles if they did, '63000 gallons please' .

mattyp wrote:....and I suppose process payment for the re-fuel too! "Sorry captain, we don't accept Amex"....

Actually I thought they did? IIRC years ago an Easyjet flight was diverted in France. The local fuel company wouldn't accept the Fuel card in the captain's pack. So he had to stick the refueling on his own credit card. Unless it's a myth I'm remembering ...

McMaddog wrote:

mattyp wrote:....and I suppose process payment for the re-fuel too! "Sorry captain, we don't accept Amex"....

Actually I thought they did? IIRC years ago an Easyjet flight was diverted in France. The local fuel company wouldn't accept the Fuel card in the captain's pack. So he had to stick the refueling on his own credit card. Unless it's a myth I'm remembering ...

nope, you are not imagining things, he must have been a high roller!! i remember that it was on airline!!

You've gotta love Easyjet.... I remember reading that story in the paper at the time. Although a fuel bill for an A319 flying 1k miles or so wouldn't quite be on the same scale as a 744 diverted mid atlantic!

On the subject of Easyjet, i've experienced 3 missed approaches on their aircraft in the past 4 or 5 years.... Not sure if i'm just unlucky??!.....