Originally Posted by
Typhoondriver
So, the latest wonderful rumour I've heard suggests that pilots are now being sent to become Air Traffic Controllers during their 3 year hold between IOTC Cranwell and Elementary Flying Training. Can there really be any truth to this?
Up to 2 years hold but that started coming back recently. The lad in our office came forward 4 months.
Yes, there are a few that have done a cut-down Holding Aircrew Airfield Air-traffic Course (or something like that). It is a cut-down course that qualifies them to do Tower/Ground in the VCR to help out with ATC capacity. They stay in the Flying Branch and are released as soon as their EFT is ready to take them for groundschool. It’s a good place to hold to get experience of Air Traffic - something that will benefit them for the flying careers for years to come.
So not quite as bad as it sounds
