NATS ATC Unit visits (Towers and Centres)

[725308]

Hi,

I am 15 years old, studying towards my GCSEs and I would like to ask how I would attempt to arrange a visit to a NATS unit preferably a London airport (I live near EGKK).
I have been to Gatwick, but would like to possibly visit Heathrow and/or Stansted. I have a strong ambition to be an ATCO and from my first visit learnt quite a lot about airfield ops etc.

As I am under 15, would I be 'allowed' a visit and who should I contact as I have no contacts to organise a visit.

Feel free to PM (probably more appropriate)

Cheers

[725308]

After lengthy google searches I have found contact details for all NATS units.

I don't want to write however, because NATS never reply to letters!

Any advice?!

[Bumz_Rush]

why is it possible for any one to visit the tower at critical phases of flight....
should the door be locked and only authorised persons permitted to enter..
is the tower not as a secure envonment as the cockpit.

I would think it is easier to engineer a good accident from the tower as it is the cockpit.



Bumz

[niknak]

How I pray for the day that my swipe card won't allow me access to the tower car park, the entrance door and then the door to the operational area itself!
A day off for me and a safer day for aviation!:eek:

[SATCO Biggin]

It appears that everyone invited for an interview for a job as an ATCO with NATS are strongly advised to visit an ATC Unit. I have entertained 3 in the past 2 weeks. All your average terrorist has to do is apply to NATS then ring up his local ATCU for a visit because NATS have told him to do so. :uhoh:

(I bet NATS units don't allow such visits :hmm: )

[spekesoftly]

I would hope that people with the enthusiasm to follow an ATC career would have already visited some ATC Units, without having to be prompted by NATS. It demonstrates a degree of initiative and motivation, rather than just 'ticks in the box'.

[PPRuNe Radar]

Ah, the old terrorist card being played. Another success in knee jerking for Bin Laden and his cronies :ok:

The locked door policy was in place on board US aircraft and didn't prevent September 11th, peoples perception of how the terrorist would behave was different back then, and this formed how pilots behaved in such situations. The world is a different place now with respect to the flight deck and how crews will deal with things. Its relevance and comparison to ATC visits is tenous at best.

The ATC facility is a totally different kettle of fish and it's wrong try and assert it is an easy way to manufacture another terrorist atrocity using aircraft. It's Sun journo wishful thinking. There are other independent parts of the whole aviation system which mean that the pilot does not rely 100% on the ATC system for his safety and that of others. He has SOPs, equipment on board his and other aircraft, and other crew members, all of which are barriers to some terrorist setting something up using ATC which is going to cause a crew to kill lots of innocent people. ATC can't directly control the profile of the aircraft if the pilot has doubts about what instructions are being issued or if collision avoidance equipment is warning him of something dangerous. Quite simply, and without spilling in to the precise details, there is ample opportunity and safeguarding for pilots to smell a rat if someone is trying to manufacture a collision, either with another aircraft or terrain.

Visits by prospective staff members serve a useful purpose and there is no reason to hide behind any perceived and unquantifiable threat to try and stifle them. There is just as big a risk of a colleague, a delivery man, a cleaner, a contractor, a visiting pilot popping in to pay their landing fee, etc, etc, being a terrorist as any visitor who has gone through the same kind of 'security' processes to gain access. If the threat was actually a high and real risk, then I have no doubt that the authorities would advise relevant managements not only of the threat, but also about restrictions which the Government would wish to place upon access.

In spite of SATCO Biggins assertions (which deserve a return :hmm: :p ), NATS units up and down the country do allow visits. It is not necessarily an easy process of course, and some methods (such as getting someone you know in ATC to do the arranging) are of course quicker and more pain free than others (NATS HR route !!), but nevertheless they do take place and many of us take the time to look after people, show them around, and try to answer their questions and fears.

Only today I noticed a young lass in our ATC facility who I remember showing around a year or so back, and who is now obviously coming through the NATS training system. So not only does the process of visiting possibly benefit them, it provides those of us who take the time to remove the secrecy and aura of mystery of ATC life with the knowledge that what we do is worthwhile and can perhaps make the difference to someones career aspirations.

[AlanM]

well said Mr Radar.

I am interested to hear what measures SATCO Biggin employed in his counter-terrorist measures during his hosting of NATS potential recruits.

(Maybe his kind hosting is payback for the amount of ex NATS staff he employs.........)

[261A]

:confused: In the example of Biggin Hill, any Bin Laden could fly in and land and then turn up at the tower to pay fees or whatever and kaboom! :confused:

Once you are inside the airport and airside there's nothing to stop you so why would a Bin Laden go through the lengthy process of getting accepted by NATS!

[foghorn]

any Bin Laden could fly in and land and then turn up at the tower to pay fees

In the case of Biggin, he wouldn't be able to afford them.

[SATCO Biggin]

I am interested to hear what measures SATCO Biggin employed in his counter-terrorist measures during his hosting of NATS potential recruits.


Obviously I cannot disclose all the counter measures we have in place ;) , hidden pits, machine gun nests, anti personnel mines etc. But have you seen our Cafe Bar staff? They are really scary.:eek:

Got to rush, I am expecting another NATS recruit to arrive soon. :\

[Dizzee Rascal]

Obviously I cannot disclose all the counter measures we have in place, hidden pits, machine gun nests, anti personnel mines etc.

However, like the Wig-Wags and Stop Bars, they are u/s! We're waiting for the new Tels Engineer to start so that they get fixed!;)

[SATCO Biggin]

However, like the Wig-Wags and Stop Bars, they are u/s! We're waiting for the new Tels Engineer to start so that they get fixed

You are not allowed to divulge that information:uhoh:

I will get Basil the Police dog to chew your ankles next time you are in.

Oh, and what are you doing on Sunday afternoon? :E

[Dizzee Rascal]

You are not allowed to divulge that information:uhoh:

I will get Basil the Police dog to chew your ankles next time you are in.

Oh, and what are you doing on Sunday afternoon? :E

Ha ha!

Are you asking me out for Sunday lunch SATCO B?! Sorry but I've had a better offer!

My afternoon function has been changed to an all day function....rumour has it there will be cheese and copious amounts of Champagne:eek: :p :E ;) :} :ok:

[PPRuNe Radar]

How the other half live ;)

[ukatco_535]

SATCO Biggin??
Is that Solitary Air Traffic Control Officer?? :p :p

[Big Hilly]

Blimey!

Don't you Biggin types ever just simply talk to each other? . . . :D ;)

Anyway, young Dizz, rumour has it that you're not old enough to drink? :p ;)

BH

[SATCO Biggin]

Don't you Biggin types ever just simply talk to each other? .

Well I talk to all the others on a regular basis but young Dizzee is so rarely at work I have to communicate by whatever means are possible.:hmm:

My afternoon function has been changed to an all day function....

So no possibility of you working overtime then?

Shall I tell the PPruners about your Julie Andrews fetish. :ok:

But we digress from the main thread......

[Dizzee Rascal]

So no possibility of you working overtime then?

Shall I tell the PPruners about your Julie Andrews fetish. :ok:

But we digress from the main thread......

No possibility of working on Sunday and no need to tell the PPruners about my Julie Andrews fetish after they see this
http://www.robbscelebs.co.uk/noops069/julie_andrews042.jpg

[AlanM]

DR - she is old enough to be your great grandmother.

Anyway - back to the thread (not the Biggin Hill gay Chat Site it has started to become.....) :cool:

[Dizzee Rascal]

DR - she is old enough to be your great grandmother.

Anyway - back to the thread (not the Biggin Hill gay Chat Site it has started to become.....) :cool:

Sorry DAD!:p

[SATCO Biggin]

There is never a Moderator around when you need one. :hmm:

Ban that Dizzee chap for posting pornographic material on the forum and bringing Biggin Hills name into disrepute.

Then I might also get him back to work as well. :eek:

[SilentHandover]

Back to an earlier posting by SATCo, we your little satellite NATS airfield just down the hill are entertaining potential NATS recruits so they do get to visit NATS units too, they do seem to only get as far as a tour of the ECU though to be fair.

[SATCO Biggin]

Back to an earlier posting by SATCo, we your little satellite NATS airfield just down the hill are entertaining potential NATS recruits so they do get to visit NATS units too, they do seem to only get as far as a tour of the ECU though to be fair.

Then I take back all I suggested about NATS. :uhoh:

It does raise the question as to whether visiting an ATSU actually wins you brownie points at a subsequent interview. Particularly if it is only because NATS HR have suggested you do so rather than from the candidates own desire to gain knowledge of the job.

[ukatco_535]

SATCO KB

I agree with your last comment there, however I would like to think that people applying would do it out of interest. Our jobs as ATCOs are not very well understood -'Pushing Tin' aside :uhoh:

It's good that people see what they are letting themselves in for.

As for our HR department, they and recruitment have a lot to answer for, condsidering they are very often the 1st contact people have with the company.

[SATCO Biggin]

agree with your last comment there, however I would like to think that people applying would do it out of interest. Our jobs as ATCOs are not very well understood -'Pushing Tin' aside


A few decades ago when I joined the job it appeared that candidates usually came from being either an aviation enthusiast or from an aviation 'family' background. During the late 1980's the general public became more aware of ATC and applicants came with no aviation interest at all, just seeing it as another way of earning a living.

I still look for new recruits who have an interest in the world of aviation, if not in the actual aeroplanes themselves.

Meanwhile we are now re-structuring Biggin ATC in line with the Pushing Tin methodology, complete with singing down the radio and welcoming pilots to 'our sky'. :yuk:

[ukatco_535]

Oh God

Are we going to see video clips of you standing on the piano keys, waiting to experience the sensation of wake turbulence from a Cessna?? :D

[FlightDeckDave]

Hello, I have a 2nd stage interview to become a Trainee ATC on 20th March, and somewhere i think i read it would be beneficial to have visited a control tower or area control prior to the interview as it would show your motivation and commitment to becoming a trainee.

Firstly is this true and if i dont visit one, will it jepodise my chances of getting through, and secondly I have contacted NATS and other control towers and they have said they can't fit it in for the moment or they are not running any visits for time being. So how does this affect me, and should I still persue a visit to any control area/tower??? Its not like I havent given myself time, as the process has been very speedy since I applied!

[AlanM]

Why not try Exeter or Plymouth mate?

Any tower would be of help.

[AlanM]

....steady on - they had a PA28 Heavy in the other day...... eh DR!??? :)

[FlightDeckDave]

Forgot to say, im back in Portsmouth now, and Swannick weren't holding any visits, and southampton haven't replied, however I might see if Goodwood can accomodate.

[stubeck]

Don't worry if you fail to get a visit, I never managed to get one myself but still got offered a job.

[I'm not joking sir]

im back in Portsmouth now

My sincerest condolences.

Try Bournemouth Tower too.

[AlanM]

.....or Redhill, Biggin (:) ) Shoreham might help.

They all have ATC as a opposed to A/G or FISO.

We seem to get more and more groups in the LTCC ops room recently. Maybe they should have a Disneyland style system where people get on board an automated train and here pre-recorded blah......

[261A]

Redhill has an FISO:hmm:

[AlanM]

They one FISO.

(OK then - go when an ATCO is on....!!)

http://www.redhillaerodrome.com/pages/atc.html

Why no piccie of Chris B?!?!?!

[flower]

http://www.redhillaerodrome.com/pages/atc.html

think you will see they have ATC as well as FISO staff there

Crossed with AlanM then oops

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

These sort of questions - which appear on PPrune frequently - never cease to amaze me! If someone is really interested in becoming an Air Traffic Controller surely they will have visited ATC facilities long before applying for the job? Or am I desperately old-fashioned and out of touch (says he who made his first visit to Heathrow, sorry London, Tower some 10 years before working there..!)

[chiglet]

HD,
Any "search" or "trawl" on these hallowed pages/threads will throw up any number of "Tower/Area/Teamaker".....Me, You and many others have given advice, phone nos and PMs....and yet, looking at the 'phone book eludes some people.....I dispair, or should that be dissappear? :rolleyes:
watp,iktch

[Dizzee Rascal]

....steady on - they had a PA28 Heavy in the other day...... eh DR!??? :)

We did, and today I noticed a copy a TC Thames SI with revised Vortex Wake spacings to reflect the fact!
The crew reminded me of the two fat ladies although better looking!!! The said crew are welcome back anytime!

Oh God

Are we going to see video clips of you standing on the piano keys, waiting to experience the sensation of wake turbulence from a Cessna?? :D

Bitch!:ok: ;) :)

[Big Hilly]

Oh God
Are we going to see video clips of you standing on the piano keys, waiting to experience the sensation of wake turbulence from a Cessna?? :D
By all accounts, and rather disturbingly, Biggin ATCOs are more likely to be found in front of the piano keys, picking out the tune to "Climb every mountain" and "Edelweiss". . . ;)

BH

[Dizzee Rascal]

Cut the chat Big Hilly, WHO HELL ARE YOU!!?!?!?!:suspect: :suspect:

[AlanM]

:eek: DR - Have PM'd you...... :ok:

[Big Hilly]

Cut the chat Big Hilly, WHO HELL ARE YOU!!?!?!?!:suspect: :suspect:
OK, Dizz. . . I'll come clean. . . This is me:

http://www.homevideos.com/freezeframes4/soundmusic7.jpeg

:p

BH

[725308]

Heathrow Director,

I am only 15 years old and have done exactly what you said in your post:

I have visited 2 units one of which being Swanwick! On my other visit which was to a London airport tower one of the trainees who was also there for a visit was constantly taking the P***!

[AlanM]

On my other visit which was to a London airport tower one of the trainees who was also there for a visit was constantly taking the P***!

Was he taking the P*** out of his mentor or watch manager....??? :8

A good intro into the banter rich environment called ATC??

[Dizzee Rascal]

OK, Dizz. . . I'll come clean. . . This is me:
BH

Hmmmmmm. You know too much!

AlanM, got it, ta!

[rolaaand]

Flight Deck Dave-Did you explain to the NATS units what stage you were at in your NATS recruitment? They may not be doing organised tours at the moment but i can't imagine that they would refuse a visit to someone who is due for their second stage interview.

HD-I joined NATS only having a general interest in aviation,and knowing very little about ATC,i think a lot of folk are in the same boat as me. So i did'nt visit any units until i knew i had passed the first selection day,visited Glasgow and Scottish,where i now work. Six years later though and the job is well and truly under my skin! Best move i ever made.

[Big Hilly]

Hmmmmmm. You know too much!


I have my spies everywhere, Dizz! ;)

BH

[AlanM]

Me too...... :suspect:

You are all being watched.....

[Big Hilly]

You are all being watched.....
Blimey mate! It's a relief to know that you Radar boys really do watch us!!!!! ;) :D

Anyway, I'm surprised you've got time with all them nappies!! :)

All the best,

BH

[AlanM]

Don't confuse stalking with providing a merely adequate radar service......... :) :ok:

[SATCO Biggin]

Hi Mr Hilly,

Had any problems starting aeroplane engines recently? ;)

[Big Hilly]

Hi Mr Hilly,
Had any problems starting aeroplane engines recently? ;)
You've lost me there Pete? :confused:

BH

[rowdyyates]

How I pray for the day that my swipe card won't allow me access to the tower car park, the entrance door and then the door to the operational area itself!
A day off for me and a safer day for aviation!:eek:
I know that feeling!!!:ouch:

[G405]

HI,

My NATS interview is looming (end of March) & I’ve been strongly advised to arrange a visit to a NATS unit. However after 3 weeks of endless pestering NATS HR I'm still no closer to arranging one!

I was wondering if any of the great and charming qualified ATC's out there could shed some light on my issue.

Many thanks

G405

[vintage ATCO]

Ring the unit directly. Where are you looking to go?

[G405]

Anywhere in the south, not too sure if to pursue area & tower or just one?

[Sir Norman Fry]

G405, check your PM's.

Regards :ok:

[Rozzy]

I visited Manchester area/tower last week, and found the whole experience mind boggling! nothing like what I had expected, within an hour or so, pretty much everything I had thought of to ask had been answered, and I spent the rest of the day mesmerised by the lights and listening to the banter! Was a good experience, as up until 2 months ago, I had never even thought about ATC. I'd reccomend visiting a unit!

[dbounford]

Has anybody got any contact details for Manchester so that I can arrange a visit? Got a phase 2 interview coming up beginning of April so need to sort a visit out. Also going for a 2 day visit to RAF Shawbury to look at their ATC "stuff", anybody think that would help much? And should I mention this in the interview should the situation arise?!

[Sir Norman Fry]

dbounford, check your private messages! Just sent you one regarding your above post.

regards :ok:

[Mingcole]

any body have contact detail for glasgow or prestwick air port tower or Area control centre?

[Hootin an a roarin]

Mingcole

Check your pm's

[daz_20]

Hey all, this is my first post so please bear with me if any glaring errors.

I have just found out that I have passed the first selection phase to become an ATCO.

I would really like to visit an ATC centre before the second stage as I feel it would really help me.

I live in Bournemouth so can easily get to Swanwick or Southampton Airport, I can also easily get to Gatwick. Does anyone work in, or know of anyone that works in these areas that may be able to help me get a visit organised.

The HR team said I have to complete the next stage within 3 weeks so I am a bit pushed for time too.

Many thanks

Darren

[aeroblue]

Hi,

I have also passed the initial test stage and would like to be able to vist an ATC Centre before my interview. Could anyone help me to arrange something? I spoke to the HR department and they explained that they can't help and that the only way would be to arrange it independently.

[YourFriendlyATCO!]

Hey

Well done. The number for Swanwick is 01489572288. Ask for the training section. They should be able to sort something out for you

[aeroblue]

Hi,

Thank you very much for your reply. I will definately give them a ring asap to arrange something.

Take care. :)

[daz_20]

Thanks people- much appreciated

[saadnaeem]

Hi,, I've got my 2nd stage interview coming up soon .. do i have to contact NATS HR or the Control centre to book a visit...I work at heathrow and it would be great if i can visit the control tower there. If anyone can pass me the contact details, i would greatly appreciate it.