B777-200
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Equipment / Tooling; Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
I was [Relief First Officer] monitoring in Captain seat. First Officer was pilot flying. Captain was on break. We had to deviate around a thunderstorm on NAT (North Atlantic) track. We tried to get clearance multiple times; but were unsuccessful as were other aircraft. We deviated approximately 30 miles left (south) of course in accordance with procedures. As we returned to course; we finally received clearance to deviate and climb. This is the third time in as many months that I have been denied a weather deviation.
I was on the third break in the crew rest facility. It has been reported to me that in the vicinity of N42W050 convective weather along the route required a small course correction. ATC was unable to issue a clearance so the operating pilots; in compliance with procedures; deviated around the weather and returned to track as soon as it was safe to do so. I believe they performed this deviation in full accordance with NAT Track directives.
B777 flight crew reported deviating off NAT track to avoid weather when unable to receive approval from ATC.