Docking request denied

[Mukatahren]

So I'm doing two data missions to the same port and both are up for time bonuses and I arrive at the station immediately after the bonus messages appeared.
But my docking request is denied and keeps getting denied until both time bonuses fail and then docking is granted.
Seems a bit dodgy to me.

[tashtego_jwm]

are you sure you're within the 7.5 kl range?

[Dolphin Bottlenose]

If it's an outpost and you fly a medium size ship, you may get your request denied if the only one available medium landing pad is occupied. If it's an NPC ship - it will leave very soon, usually in under a minute.

But if it's another player, then it might take some time before the pad is free again. In this case you may try to relogin to Solo mode, to get your pad to be free.

[tashtego_jwm]

Originally posted by Dolphin Bottlenose:

But if it's another player, then it might take some time before the pad is free again. In this case you may try to relogin to Solo mode, to get your pad to be free.

Is the how the mechanics of the docking pads work? I've often wondered if when you dock (let's say bay 12) and hit the down arrow (I'm blanking on the name of that button right now), it sort of takes you physically out of the game ... meaning that someone else could still use bay 12 if it's the right size of course.

So, it sounds like it does not do that. You, and only you, occupy bay 12 up until you leave? I was just thinking of the logistics of that coupled with the huge amount of actual players plus npc's at any given time. I know the galaxy is huge, but the starports are finite.

[Dolphin Bottlenose]

Originally posted by tashtego_jwm:

I've often wondered if when you dock (let's say bay 12) and hit the down arrow (I'm blanking on the name of that button right now), it sort of takes you physically out of the game ... meaning that someone else could still use bay 12 if it's the right size of course.

Going down to your hangar will not free that landing pad to others. It will still be occupied by you. Logging out will free it.

You, and only you, occupy bay 12 up until you leave?

True - for this instance. But there is more than one instance for every place. So, for example, if a station is completely full, and a new pilot logs in at that station - a new instance is created where the landing pads are free. That player wouldn't see players from other instances.

Changing game modes also changes your current instance. That's why it can be helpful to resolve docking problems.

[Mukatahren]

Originally posted by tashtego_jwm:

are you sure you're within the 7.5 kl range?

Thanks for your response. Yes, if I weren't within range there would be a message about being too far away.

Originally posted by Dolphin Bottlenose:

If it's an outpost and you fly a medium size ship, you may get your request denied if the only one available medium landing pad is occupied. If it's an NPC ship - it will leave very soon, usually in under a minute.

But if it's another player, then it might take some time before the pad is free again. In this case you may try to relogin to Solo mode, to get your pad to be free.

Thanks, the pad didn't appear to be occupied, but maybe I've just got space eyes from being out in the aether for too long?

Perhaps there could be simple message stating why you can't dock? That shouldn't be too hard to implement.

[Dolphin Bottlenose]

Originally posted by Mukatahren:

Thanks, the pad didn't appear to be occupied, but maybe I've just got space eyes from being out in the aether for too long?

When the ship is in the hangar, the pad will look empty. But the ship still occupies it. By cycling your targets you can see it being targeted inside the hangar.

Perhaps there could be simple message stating why you can't dock? That shouldn't be too hard to implement.

And it would be a really helpful, too.

[ShelLuser]

I definitely agree that a brief reason would make sense and make things easier. However, it is consistent with the way smaller station handle incoming traffic. For example; bigger stations warn you about the docking procedures whereas smaller stations more or less ignore you until you put in your request.

[Daddy O]

Sometimes they deny landing because the pads are full. I have seen this at many of the smaller ports where you land on pads outside. I usually watch for someone to lift off then quickly request their spot.