A reasonably serious reply from someone with 35 years in ATC, nearly 30 involved with Heathrow traffic. I honestly have not knowingly experienced any stress caused by the task of being either a busy tower or radar controller. In fact, in time of worry - family health, kids, finance, etc, I have found myself to be most relaxed when at work! The reason for this was explained to me once by a CAA medic.. I'm someone who can cope when I'm in control of a situation which I am confident I can handle.
BUT.. stress effects people in different ways. I utterly hate long-distance travel (not flying, which I quite enjoy)... it's the hassle of getting to the airport, checking in, is the flight going to be late (almoste certainly yes), how will I feel at the other end (nearly killed us driving once after a long trip), will the house be safe while we're away, will we be taken ill while we're away... etc, etc, etc, etc. I've been able to overcome this stress in the past but a couple of weeks ago I had to pull out of an expensive holiday an hour before check-in. There were a few other worries at home and the lot became too much to handle. Fortunately I have a wonderful wife who is a rock in such circumstances and we got over it (apart from the loss of lolly!). I'm due to go on another trip in a few weeks and fingers are crossed..
That's just an example... but I know plenty of people I work with who will fall about laughing at what happened to me... but many of those will be biting their nails to the quick and twitched out of their heads when they're on radar..
[This message has been edited by HEATHROW DIRECTOR (edited 13 March 2001).]
[This message has been edited by HEATHROW DIRECTOR (edited 13 March 2001).]