Atco Hours

[Jemy]

Hi there,

I really should know this, but do ATCO's have the same hours restrictions as pilots, and do they have the same medical standards?

Should maybe be on Questions, but it's a direct question to those concerned.....

Cheers,
Jemy

[Four Seven Eleven]

Jemy

ATCOs (in Australia) do have hours limitations built into rostering principles which form part of their certified agreement. The details are not the same as pilot restrictions, but are there for the same reasons - fatigue management etc.

Some of the conditions are: shifts no longer than ten hours, mandated 'clear days off' after a certain number of shifts, at least ten hours between shifts, at least 20 minutes break for a seven hour shift etc.

I imagine that similar provisions are in place in most places, although the details are likely to vary.

ATCOs do have to have a valid class 3 medical (same as pilots).

[411A]

ATC guys (and gals) in the USA absolutely have duty limitations, hold at least a class two medical, and some (many) can retire after twenty years service on full pension.
Can be a highly stressful job.

[Bright-Ling]

Also highly regulated in the UK. We have SCRATCOH (Scheme for the Regulation of ATCO's Hours)

Mkaes it very hard to swap shifts - as most peoples regular shifts are close to the limit of hrs worked.

We have the same medical cat as Commercial Pilots - a UK Class 1.

As for retiring early - only a few go before 50! Most are 55+

B-L

[Jemy]

Thanks for that.

Cheers,

Jemy