Ok , let's try and put the visit issue to bed.
TT& Scott, many people are keen to make visits to other units and also fam flights provided that it doesn't impinge on their home life. Many ATCOs at LATCC are involved in a 160 mile a day commute just to do a normal days' work as lots have moved in preparation for NERC.
It used to be that time in lieu was given for these activities,but since this is no longer the case, many are reluctant to do them. eg. We get transatlantic fam flights, but they involve the return trip plus only 1 night in the US. Nice to do provided you're not at work the day after you get back,especially as socialising with the crew is expected whilst out there!
We do still get some liasion visits but this has been an extremely tough few months for most people in AC due to the NERC training-again no time in lieu is allowed.
Whenever I fly I ALWAYS try to get "up front" for a chat and indeed earlier this year was refused access to the flight deck for the first time ever( except on some US carriers). I've also visited numerous centres particularly in the US when over there.
But this type of thing is not for everyone!!
I believe that Maastricht do still get visits paid for and do them in company time-correct me if I'm wrong TT. We recently had Canadian controllers over on a visit and they had around 6 days to make the trip!!
Manchester is not the most salubrious place to spend your days off (sorry chiglet), and I'm sure the WM would have got a greater uptake if a) he'd chosen Maastricht or Paris/Rheims, and b) hadn't been going himself.
NATS is in a mess at present, with the training at NERC being inadequate, commuting, no improvement in management communication even when there are rumours that we may not get paid soon, and also the potential for large job cuts in support grades.