Having read this thread with great interest, being ex Maritime aircrew, I feel that I have to clarify details about the ATCO who will be on the course in April.
He is a fully qualified ATCO who also holds an AEOp brevet with some 3000+ flying hours (sorry I dont have access to his logbook!!). He has trained AEOps in the past before going ATC, and has done his time in "the sand pit" of Afganistan. He is a great guy with a family and I have known him since we joined Kipper Fleet in the early 80's. In fact he was my best man at my first wedding!!
He has really missed flying and this would seem to be the ideal posting for him and from a PMA point of view seems to tick all the boxes. I realise that the debate may rumble on regarding the role on the aircraft, but in my humble opinion the right man for the job, and I wish him well!! I wish I could get back in the mob and flying - still miss it dreadfully!!
Hope this clarifies things for all and sundry!!
UP THE KIPPER FLEET!!
