AC maydays not accommodated at Hyderbad until the 4th call

[RooFlyer]

This report from OMAAT is a worry!

Also on Aviation Herald. (my bolding)

After about an hour the [Air Canada] crew decided to divert to their planned alternate airport and set course, however, shortly afterwards ATC told the crew that the alternate was unable to accomodate them due to being at maximum capacity. The crew consulted with dispatch and decided to divert to Hyderabad (India). The aircraft climbed to FL250 and was enroute to Hyderabad when ATC told them, that Hyderabad also was unable to accomodate them due to being at maximum capacity. The flight crew declared Mayday due to being low on fuel, however, ATC instructed them to enter a hold and tried to divert them several times before giving them a direct route to Hyderabad following the fourth (!) Mayday declaration. The aircraft landed on Hyderabad's runway 09L 118 minutes after aborting the approach to Mumbai.

 

[jb747]

And you are surprised? Why?

 

[Blackbird]

Not surprised. But what would you do in this situation? Have you been in a similar situation? Real life or sim?

 

[jb747]

Once you declare a mayday you are no longer bound by any rules. That's the entire point of the call, you're telling ATC that you'll now be doing whatever you see as the best course of action, and it's up to them to accommodate it. You do not ask for permission, and if they were to attempt to deny it, you ignore them!

Have I declared a mayday? Yes. The ATC unit concerned literally closed a major international airfield for us!

 

[RooFlyer]

And you are surprised? Why?

I was going to answer "Because of a child-like faith in ATC".

This was Air Canada - the same lot who nearly landed on aircraft on a taxiway - that incident concerned me not just because they mistook a taxiway for a runway, but because the crew appear to have seen the 'runway' occupied, but allowed themselves to be convinced by ATC that there wasn't a problem and carried on. In this case, in spite of calling 'mayday' they seem to have taken three knock-backs in their stride.

Having lived and worked and visited Canada for 20 years or so, I observe that Canadians are very docile in the face of authority (complete opposite to Aussies). I hope not a cultural thing in the coughpit.

 

[Himeno]

Have I declared a mayday? Yes. The ATC unit concerned literally closed a major international airfield for us!

That was the QF30 O2 bottle?
Have you had any others?

 

[Blackbird]

I remember QF30 and I’d be glad to have you driving if the s..t was hitting the fan. But I was thinking more about a situation where you have declared a mayday and ATC put you on hold. Basically once you’ve declared an emergency you don’t have to comply with ATC?

 

[Mr Pumblechook]

Pilots can always act without or contrary to ATC clearance if that's what they need to do to maintain the safety of their flight.

ATC isn't the sky equivalent of the police - it's more like those guys who help you park in grassy paddocks when you're at the football or a festival.

 

[jb747]

If you have declared an emergency it's up to you to do whatever you need to do to ensure the best outcome for your passengers and aircraft. ATC is expected to be a help, not a hinderance...and in the vast majority of cases they give excellent, and timely assistance. But, if you don't get what you want, then do whatever you have to.