Interesting experience with JHB briefing

[fly1981]

So, the last few weeks we have had issues with our flight plans going through, which has resulted in a few delays.This afternoon we have a flight leaving at 14:30 local, and decided to make sure we get a reference number for the departing flight as it cannot be late. I have 5 numbers for briefing, 2 say they are no longer in service, the 0860 number is permanently busy, but the one number rings. It rings twice, you can hear it is picked up and put down immediately. Having a bit of time on my hands, I decided to try over and over again until the person that is answering and putting the phone down gives up and speaks to me, which eventually happened.
When they answered, I questioned them as to whether or not the phone was being picked up and put down immediately, and they admitted this was the case. When I asked why, they informed me that there are two other numbers that I should try in future, one of which is the 0860 number, and the other is one that is said to be out of service. Out of interest sake, the number I got through on was listed in the Notams a few weeks ago.
Is this honestly the type of service we should expect from a service provider that is supposed to be responsible for operations and safety in the air?
In the unlikely event that a manager or ‘someone who cares’ would like to contact me to discuss this issue further , I would love to hear from you.
Rant over.

[V5 - LEO]

So, the last few weeks we have had issues with our flight plans going through, which has resulted in a few delays.This afternoon we have a flight leaving at 14:30 local, and decided to make sure we get a reference number for the departing flight as it cannot be late. I have 5 numbers for briefing, 2 say they are no longer in service, the 0860 number is permanently busy, but the one number rings. It rings twice, you can hear it is picked up and put down immediately. Having a bit of time on my hands, I decided to try over and over again until the person that is answering and putting the phone down gives up and speaks to me, which eventually happened.
When they answered, I questioned them as to whether or not the phone was being picked up and put down immediately, and they admitted this was the case. When I asked why, they informed me that there are two other numbers that I should try in future, one of which is the 0860 number, and the other is one that is said to be out of service. Out of interest sake, the number I got through on was listed in the Notams a few weeks ago.
Is this honestly the type of service we should expect from a service provider that is supposed to be responsible for operations and safety in the air?
In the unlikely event that a manager or ‘someone who cares’ would like to contact me to discuss this issue further , I would love to hear from you.
Rant over.

......NO, you should not be happy with such service, and getting billed for it.

The truth is though, the employee on the other side of that line, does not have you or your flights priorities as the first thing on his mind. That is the big elephant in the room these days - well according to my experience with people the last 2 years - they will do, participate, show up for the minimum effort and commitment it takes, BUT expect full compensation and acknowledgement. This is not relevant to one-man specific jobs / duties, those get done but with very long faces in most cases. My lamentation over.

Trust that your situation will be referred and get improved on soonest.

[RVSM]

Oof.

Sadly I don't think there are many people who frequent this forum anymore (let alone many who would care enough to reach out).
I would encourage you to share your story & suggest you send an email to Laila Hassim - she is the pool manager of the AIM department - her email address is lailah@atns.co.za

[IndiaSierraJUliet]

Same thing happened to me today. Phone just rings. Then tried 0119286430 ... number given to me by FACT TWR. Lady picked up. Insists this is wrong number and she cannot help. Tried the 0860 number again. Phone disconnects after about 2 min. Then after 2 hours of trying to get though, someone picks up then immediatedly puts phone down. Then after another 30 min of trying to get through someone picks up, tells me to stand by and then puts the phone down.

Then tried file2fly. Cannot log in. Phone help line. Very frienfly guy tells me he is so sorry but he can see from his side there is a problem with the server and he can therefore not assist me.

Is this now the general trend or an I just the unlucky one??

[putco]

Hi

Not just you, they are, in general, appalling.

You should try using their services as a foreigner on roaming charges….

[ACE MAN]

To think some of these clowns become controllers, and then introduce their useless attitude and charisma from their ivory towers. I feel for the real controllers out there that need to nurse them.