Question. How many TC AREA controllers hold APP RADAR validations and vice versa?
When LL APC moved to WD the idea was that we would sit next to the TMA controllers, co-ordinate directly and holding would be minimised. Also it gave the oppurtunity for controllers who held all ratings to cross train to the other skill.
However only 3 LL apc guys did cross train and validate (2 TMA STH and 1 TC NTH) , one is now a non valid supervisor, one retired and one gone back to LL twr.
As for TMA training on APC, I think a few attempted, even fewer passed and at present (I think) there are no cross valid TMA/APC controllers in TC.
The original idea of APC's and TMA together really did not work as was envisaged from day 1. At first EGLL APC was split into 2 where APC NTH sat next to TC BNN and APC STH with FIN sat on the other side of the room with TC BIG, this lasted a very short time and the LL APC was again co-located, all sitting together.
There was serious talk a few years ago about splitting the APC from TC and returning them to the Towers, this could have worked for LL in the old tower that had a functioning Radar unit but since the move to the new tower this will now never happen.
A very sad day when EGLL APC and EGLL TWR went their seperate ways.