Hi,this is my very first post so please be gentle. I am about to finish my ppl(a) wondered how i would go about arranging a visit to an ATC unit (if it is possible, security etc) to get more of an understanding of what you guys/gals have to do. any help or suggestions welcome.

PS i am based in the sheffield area but dont mind traveling anywhere in the uk.

thanks in advance

the newbie

If you're flying out of Finningley why not just ask the tower?

Im not based out of finningly unfortunatly. Doncaster radar is operated out of liverpool too! Just after some info about how i would do about arranging, i could be anyone trying to access secure areas.

Bell the ATC unit. Explain who you are and why you want to visit and see what happens. They might say no.... but they might say yes. You'd stand a better chance at a quieter unit than going straight for Heathrow Tower, for example.

In 2003 I sent a letter to the ATC manager at Manchester requesting a visit, which was granted. In the letter I explained why I was interested and why Manchester specifically.

I brought my passport as ID and had to be escorted at all times, but there was no actual security to go through, just a number of ID activated and coded doors to prevent unauthorised access.

IIRC I simply sent the letter to the 'Head of ATC'/'ATC manager' or something similar using the airports address; I'd imagine a similar method would work elsewhere.