Speed Question

[Stone Cold]

In the instance I would say you probably would have been safe from being violated. Technically ATC cannot clear you above 250 kts below 10K ... in the situation you describe the controller had to descend you for traffic but didn't want to penalize you due to your lifeguard status, hence the clearance. If you were questioned the voice tapes would be proof that you were cleared speed your discretion. Being a lifeguard I would doubt you would have been questioned. Though it is not mandatory we tend to do all we can for a lifeguard flight.

Understood, and thanks for the info. Would the local approach guy have let the next areas local approach guy know he "allowed" us to do this? Like I said, we had the medical team on board, so we were officially lifeguard status, but no organ, so we didn't feel we needed to take the chance.

If the organ had been on board, then it would have been a different story...

And we do appreciate all that you are able to do for us when in that status. I wish we could give you some of the info on what we're transporting and let you guys know how much you've helped in the process. Needless to say, it is appreciated!!

 

[Fox Xray]

Most likely the controller told the next sector... it's just a matter of hitting the land line and stating LN12345 is direct XYZ speed his discretion.

As for helping a lifeguard flight it's the right thing to do. These flights are helping people out and the least I can do is get them to their destination ASAP. The pilots that fly these flights are doing a really good thing... you guys deserve the accolades.

 

[SteveC]

I wanted to wait until Stone Cold got his questions answered before I shut this thread. "What's with all the negative waves, Moriarty?"