why the zig zag approach over tower bridge then waterloo bridge into heathrow?

[Zippy]

Isn't it to make terrorist ground-to-air missile attempts a bit trickier?

Can't see that being very effective

Now everyone look out of the window. Oooh we're all going to die ....

[Flubster]

Can't see that being very effective

Now everyone look out of the window. Oooh we're all going to die ....

Probably not, but crawling along in a straight line makes a 747 a very easy target. I live near Southampton airport and on more than one occassion, I've wondered why that arab looking gentleman has a large pipe resting on his shoulder pointing towards a pond-hopper.

[Zippy]

Probably not, but crawling along in a straight line makes a 747 a very easy target. I live near Southampton airport and on more than one occassion, I've wondered why that arab looking gentleman has a large pipe resting on his shoulder pointing towards a pond-hopper.

Probably just enjoying a bit of cultural smoking ...

[MPwannadecentincome]

Probably not, but crawling along in a straight line makes a 747 a very easy target. I live near Southampton airport and on more than one occassion, I've wondered why that arab looking gentleman has a large pipe resting on his shoulder pointing towards a pond-hopper.

It would be easier to get a plane approaching london city airport (not a 747 though)

[Flubster]

It would be easier to get a plane approaching london city airport (not a 747 though)

No good for a quick getaway though, unless they jumped on a speedboat..

[Menelaus]

No good for a quick getaway though, unless they jumped on a speedboat..

Certainly not able to get a 747 into LCY!

[Menelaus]

Isn't it to make terrorist ground-to-air missile attempts a bit trickier?

Stinger would certainly be able to out-turn a 747!

[hyperD]

When we entered the Lambourne stack the map display said we were approx 35 miles from destination, during the S manouvre I think it was about 20 miles

The initial left turn is made at LAM D11 which is 25 nm (29 miles out) followed by a right turn onto the localiser at BNN D19 16 nm (18 miles out).

The Initial Approach Procedures chart explains it all.

[xchaotic]

I often wonder another sharp right near waterloo bridge/millenium wheel before eventually straightening up for the landing approach?

They're just positioning themselves to fly over my roof with the loudest possible sound...