Mon Feb 24, 2020 2:35 pm
#1748517
There is often a big gap between inside CAS and OCAS treatment in the UK. From a perspective of operating GA/training in both areas and likewise in much of Europe, UK ATC generally has some of the best people but often operating in a congested system. Blanket Class E would certainly help with some capacity, but might also make the flying side a bit trickier initially - and as others have said, who pays for the extra ATC cover? Switzerland does indeed have better coverage, but also worked much harder to confuse me and then attempt to cause an Airprox in the space of 20 minutes. I've never had a UK ATCO expect me to deviate from a radar heading because it went past my next waypoint/track change, so hearing a Swiss ATCO tell me "yes, I know I put you on a heading, but I expected you to turn anyway" was a slight surprise!
On the other hand, getting seamless airways joins from AFISOs in much of Europe is rather nice. But again, who pays...