London airspace closed *beaking news*

[Third Opinion]

The latest is the whole of London airspace is closed or restricted due to air traffic control computer server failure.

Long and short nothing is taking off, loads of delays on arrivals, numerous cancellations and diversions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30454240

Dreading work tonight now, had scores of airport runs.

 

[Mynight]

You'd have thought with something so critical there would be multiple failovers.

 

[arctine]

Why do they need a computer to support local area radar?

 

[Maccapacca]

Why do they need a computer to support local area radar?

It's not 1972

 

[antijoke]

Whilst rather radical, I support this immigration lockdown.

This is a joke BTW.

 

[Maccapacca]

Looks like we manage some of Europe's airspace as well

 

[mattyg]

Terrorist EMP attack

Quick don the tin foil hats

 

[arctine]

It's not 1972

I work in ground radio for the RAF and maintain/repair the kit used by ATC. Granted most of the RAF stuff is pretty old and probably not as busy as a London airport but it was a genuine question.

I don't see why they'd have to restrict air space because of a computer?

 

[Housey]

John McLain is on the way, it'll be reet.

 

[antijoke]

John McLain is on the way, it'll be reet.

Is that the Irish John McClane?

 

[Cosimo]

Sky saying flights will resume at 18:00. What a mess!

 

[CleverBalls]

I work in ground radio for the RAF and maintain/repair the kit used by ATC. Granted most of the RAF stuff is pretty old and probably not as busy as a London airport but it was a genuine question.

I don't see why they'd have to restrict air space because of a computer?

Because said computer had a fault? RAF ATC /=/ London ATC

 

[Diddums]

I wonder if they've tried turning it off and on again.

 

[Housey]

Is that the Irish John McClane?

It's the brooose Wiliss one

 

[antijoke]

It's the brooose Wiliss one

Lol.

 

[leaskovski]

nice and quiet....

http://www.flightradar24.com/51.53,-0.13/10

 

[scorza]

Ugh - would hate to be flying to/from LHR this afternoon.

 

[The Dread Pirate]

SCUZI!

 

[arctine]

Because said computer had a fault? RAF ATC /=/ London ATC

Erm, thanks but you're not telling me anything I haven't already said.

I'm hoping to understand why a computer failing mean's they have to restrict air space as per the OP.

 

[Mynight]

I assume the radar is linked into it and all the planes would be reporting position and altitude. ATC would be basically blind wouldn't they.