Moony,
Different yes, however, as Widger so subtly pointed out earlier, a lot of our time is spent providing a loose form of tactical control where the aircrew make all their own height and heading decisions. Then we plan each run to keep it all in clear air, give target information and provide radar services. Personally I feel it’s just a different sort of challenge, no harder and no easier than any other ATC discipline.
REJ,
Agreed, I’d wouldn’t mind a shot at Approach or Aerodrome work. (Really all I’m after is to be able to look out of a window when working!) The problem being though, that at the moment, most FCs are lucky to get 2 full tours as controllers before being whisked off for greater (??) things. Therefore, until we bring in Spec Controllers, the likely returns for the Service of cross training people would be minimal and I can’t see it happening on our side at least. I think the more likely long-term option is that we’ll have a common branch where most people specialise. That could mean a possible ‘creaming off’ after basic training of those controllers with the most capacity to E-3s and would also allow anyone who fails any control course to become a Surveillance specialist. There you are, it’s all sorted……sir, sir, come and listen to my super-dooper new idea!!!!!!!!!
Regards, ADIS
