So I have seen a few things about this, this one I just saw this morning despite it being a bit older. I would recommend you read the article first…
So long story short the flight diverted to a smaller GA airport in the Pittsburgh aria. This was during the Wings Over Pittsburgh Air Show. So the crew says that ATC told them it would be just a few moments of circling before there was a slot to lond. Presumably between aerobic acts. The Air National Guard that organizes the event says they would have been happy to stop the show at any point for any safety concerns. Now this was not the only incident of it’s nature. So for the flight to divert I imagine it was more that “a few muinets” for them to divert. I know there was a similar incident with an Allegiant aircraft. So here’s the question, obviously diversions creat lots of hastel, and it is obvious a bad situation already. So is this up to the Airlines to make more preparations, and have better contact with event managers about when landing slots are available. Or is it on the managers to reach out, and make sure airlines know what times, places, and the like the event will affect. Or last but not least is it ATCs job to be aware of the event and be able to accurately tell how long a particular part of the event will take, and be able to stop it, or let the pilots have time to divert somewhare other than a GA airport. Because I was there and there was a very detailed schedule available for us. Obviously in the end all parties should be aware and are part of it. Or do you think events like this should not Ba allowed at major airports like Pittsburgh?
Airshows should be held at smaller airports. I think this is Pittsburgh’s fault or whoever organized it to be at KPIT. Should they have timed it where it isn’t as busy, or is it always busy there?
Ah, never super busy, a pretty steady stream, but never really multiple aircraft landing at once…
They have though held this event here many times. Personally I have only been twice but I think it is an annual thing. It is held in the Air Base part of the airport so besides demonstrators in the air it actually would have little to no affect on the airport. Most demonstrators only are 10-20 minutes with about 5 or so in between. So it kinda baffles me how they could not fit the SWA in in a reasonable amount of time…
Having participated in a fair few airshows over the years I can categorically state that there is flexibility built into the display time line for both exceptional and unplanned events and any regular scheduled arrivals.
It’s a simple thing to hold off at your display hold point and delay your run in for a couple of minutes. The punters would probably be quite happy to watch a 737 come in.
The airshow and airspace would have been NOTAM’d and given to all aircraft scheduled to operate into the area/field.
‘Personally’ I think it was a poor decision by the 737 crew. Either not enough fuel or just being a bit intransigent. Obviously I don’t have the background info so that is my opinion based on what’s in the press! Never too reliable!
Most flights are scheduled months in advance so its something that unless the airline checked in everyday to see… They never wouldve noticed. The airport shouldve put out a notice.