Taken from NATSnet - The entire Farnborough ATC team were recognised by The Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association (AOPA) at a presentation this week, where they received the Controller of the Year Award.
The award citation by the AOPA Executive Committee said: 'The controllers provide an especially good service to pilots. Their willingness to help, even when busy, gives an enormous boost to the confidence of the amateur but competent pilot. The sense of humour and professionalism of the Farnborough controllers rarely fails but a safe environment is always maintained.'
I took one particular friend flying several years ago - it was her first ever time in a light aircraft, so we went and enjoyed the scenary around the Newbury area. It was a particularly busy day, and although I only asked Farnborough for a FIS, they were (as always) incredibly helpful, pointing out traffic to me for the entire flight, well beyond what was required from a FIS (and what you'd expect from any other unit in the country). There were very few quiet moments on frequency.
By the end of the flight, the service we'd received had been so obviousl good that even my first-time pax commented on the professionalism of the controllers. When she asked if this was normal, I had to confess that it was way above what's available anywhere else in the country.
That was just one of many examples I could give. This award is most definitely deserved - not for any one specific occassion, but for continued, ongoing, outstanding service!
I did my PPL at Blackbushe in the late 1980s and Farnborough controllers provided an excellent FI service in those days. I'm pleased to hear they continue to do so.
I agree, unfailingly helpful, professional and also courteous; if they ask someone to do something special because of arrivals or departures they always say thanks afterwards. Well done!
although I only asked Farnborough for a FIS, they were (as always) incredibly helpful, pointing out traffic to me for the entire flight, well beyond what was required from a FIS
Brilliant service, I use them for some part of nearly every flight being a Blackbushe pilot. Even when in very early days my radio work was less than perfect they were patient in the extreme and have even been known to provide corrections.
<<Owenlars: I agree, unfailingly helpful, professional and also courteous; if they ask someone to do something special because of arrivals or departures they always say thanks afterwards. Well done!>> Couldn't have put it better myself. Well done and Congratulations!
When I first started flying down here in the Southeast, I was rattling Heathrow's cage around the west side, ready to cut the SW corner to head back to Redhill. I was unfamiliar with the landmarks and doing my best to identify features and relate them to the zone. I was with Farnborough as a courtesy because I'm negative transponder and I didn't want a transient paint to cause them a problem. I went to leave the frequency as I rounded the corner and the very helpful controller could tell I wasn't the keenest of corner rounders so encouraged me to stay on and gave me vectors to make sure I stayed clear of Heathrow. Not only did she not really have to give me any service at all, she definitely didn't have to look out for a dufus like me who wasn't even in her zone - but she saw the need, saw the bigger picture, and did what she could to help. A superbly done job, in my opinion, and one that was very much appreciated.
Had a chance to chat to them again today briefly for a PFA air test radio check. Very helpful as always.
Yeah well it was all going great until the idiots gave Arsenal that penalty; I had a terrible seat, only 20 yds from the corner flag, so at least I got a good view of 'our' goal. By the way, 'new' role? Do you know something I don't?
