Bottom Rung said: "You can't get the sim time except for on a modular course for a starter. And a hundred other reasons why. Done civil and mil controlling; the differences are not fully apparant until you've done both".
Spot on mate, until you have done both you have no idea the differences between the two disciplines.....I agree that the crossover and outstream of RAF ATCOs needs to be addressed by Air Cmd (heads in sand). Indeed a similar process to that of many foreign mil ATCOs who get an ICAO licence during training but require a return of service of around 10 years before leaving could be one direction. Did Cwmbran not teach the ICAO courses to the Danish Air Force.....
However, I bet many of the posters on this subject and in the past are current mil controllers who want it handed to them on a plate re the civil ratings! Now I completed JATCC pre ESSAR 5, but to say that it is 80% compliant, then why do those graduates only still get exemption from the CAA Basic course only? Beacause of the differences mentioned in line 1 of this post! I thought the same as many current mil ATCOs about the licence issues about 2 yrs ago when I left the service....but it is different and would take a lot of work by both parties to link the two respective disciplines. I know this has been done by CATCS to a degree, but as you current mil guys may already know, there is a feasibility study being carried out by an individual (under the auspices of Qinetiq??) as to the future of mil controlling. Could some units not be done by civilian controllers...I could think of at least 5 of the top of my head. Mil ATC of the future will be small deployable units, with the rest being done by cvilian controllers. Controversial I know, but a reality in these downsizing times.
Said it numerous times to those still in the RAF who contact me about going civilian....if you want to take the plunge then you will have shell out some money for the frist steps and then hope an employer will do the rest. Don't bitch and moan about life in the RAF if you 'aint prepared to do something about it!
Incoming expected!
