I can't comment for other UK service providers, but if you're a NATS controller then fam flights are no problem whatsoever.
As someone has already said ATCOs have been on the approved list for a long time, we were taken off after Sept 11th but were put back on about a year later.
At Heathrow Tower we have access to BA, BMI, Aer Lingus, Virgin and Alitalia flightdecks. In truth very few ATCOs actually bother, though this could have more to do with the fact management won't authorise days in lieu.
One popular scheme at LHR is the access we have to the BMI simulators at Stockley where the ATCO can go in for day 2 of the prof' checks and do the RT whilst at the same time seeing first hand the workload of the crew in a very busy situation. We've had 15 ATCOs give up a day of their free time in the last 2 months alone.
If your unit hasn't got a fam flight scheme, then do something about it and organise one.
On behalf of the LHR boys and girls, our thanks to any of the crews from the above mentioned airlines for their hospitality on the flight deck, and in particular a big thank you to the BMI crews that have put up with us in the sim. Cheers
