Journalistic Hype (Luton Gliders)

[Ediswan]

Luton Airport and the London Gliding Club have been operating in close proximity for decades. One would expect everybody flying in the area to know this.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqevw88d0kxro

Headline:

Airline pilot reported near miss on approach to Luton​

Final paragraph:

They (the UK Airprox Board) concluded that although the airline pilot "had been concerned by their perceived proximity of the ASK21", they were "satisfied that normal safety margins had pertained" and "determined that there had not been a risk of collision".

 

[Pegpilot]

Yes, you only get to the conclusion that no airspace infringement by the glider had taken place in the last paragraph, so pretty shoddy reporting. I'm a gliding instructor myself and note that the glider was equipped with an Oudie moving map display with all the airspace programmed into it. Believe me, you will be left in no doubt if you're about to infringe controlled airspace, with both visual and audible warnings. But given the complexities of the airspace around Luton and the close proximity of the airport, investing in good satnav technology makes sense. Well done London Gliding Club, says I, after reading the report.

 

[gabrielhj07]

It's a lot of words to say 'The A321 thought the glider was closer than it was, so we checked and everything was fine'.

 

[pug1]

It's a lot of words to say 'The A321 thought the glider was closer than it was, so we checked and everything was fine'.

This is actually very common, so I’m surprised the BBC picked up on this one in particular and reported it. In the U.K. any perceived threat of collision is reported via the U.K. airprox board, the ATC unit usually has the radar trace on tape and can confirm levels etc if transponding.

It’s drones that are usually the problem these days.