VS005 Diverted 23rd March 2006

We were waiting for the 05 to come into MIA so we could get back to LHR on the 06 - unfortunately it was delayed as the 05 was diverted to Nassau because of bad weather in MIA. It then had to be refuelled and continue on its way.

Just wondering ifg anyone was on that 05 flight and what you were told - its interesting bcause we were on a AA flight from Turks and Caicos which arrived into MIA at 1600 - which would have been about the time the 05 would have arrived. There were severe storms in the MIA area and the whole airport had buckets and bins all over the place catching the water dripping in from the roof!!!

Was the 05 diverted because it would be getting too the limit of its fuel and a lot of holding over MIA would be an issue - or were the storms thought to be lasting longer than they did? Seems strange that a lot of AA flights were landing?

Anyone any info?

Mark, unrelated to your specific incident, but it may be useful info. Last year I was supposed to go to Jersey with Thomson Fly. They delayed and then canx the flight due to bad weather at Jersey, but all other airlines managed the flight OK. I think airlines and even Captains have the ability to make a call on whether they land in bad weather.

Paul

[mcmbenjamin]

To further Paul's point, different types of operations can operate in different weather and types of operations in the same classification can have different landing minimums at the same airport. This relates to the approach speed of the aircraft, whether it is charter or airline and even if it is schedule or on demand operation.

One very over simplified expaination is the velocity once passing the FAF (final approach fix) or in the case of an ILS, established with G/S and localizer. The faster the aircraft, the greater visibility needed.

If the weather is really bad (and normally a long flight), the flight will be released under '3585' which allows the flight to depart even if the weather at the arrival airport is predicted to be under landing minimums.

If you are really interest in this stuff, I suggest buying Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot. It helps explain FAA and ICAO based airline/charter flight ops.

I was on that flight and was told that the delay and diversion was due to bad weather at MIA earlier only. The weather wasn't too bad according to my eyes at 1600hrs, but I think that shortly before that they had a blast of heavy wind and rain.

I wasn't too bothered as it gave me some time to catch up with my email in the lounge.

Cool - and if you look at my pic taken on the nigth you can see how happy I was!!

And welcome to the Forum!!!!

Good that you were on that flight too - did you get some sleep - I didnt think it was too bumpy? I have posted a Trip Report too so be good to know if you thought the same?

The MIA flight is very tight on crew hours as it just within the flying time for a two person flight deck.

If there is any possibility of lengthly holding on arrival at MIA consideration will have to be given to diverting until the situation can be assessed.

Regards