Fiso
Just a quick reply after breezing through all of the replies, thought i might set the record straight.
First of all if you have any problems that you believe may endanger the safety of aircraft, please report it. I would always advise that you go through the chain of command. I am a senior FISO (A) at a very busy aerodrome (when the weathers good!), if i had any information given to me by a pilot that one of the FISO's had been going beyond their proffessional capacity i WOULD do something about it.
If you do not seem to have any luck for some reason then go to the Airfield manager or head of operations and advise them of your concerns. If this does not work (which frankly i hope it would) your next step would be ATS standards at Gatwick.
In reply to noggins note, FISO's have Full control on the ground up to the holding point. This rule can be found in CAP 410 part A and B and also in CAP 427.
After the holding point you will hear one of the following phrases, either Hold Position (at the designated holding point) Take off Your discreation RWY-- Surface wind, or The runway is occupied report lining up (this is instead of Line up RWY-- This is a command and cannot be said when you have passed/or are about to pass the holding point).
In response to another question, all FISO's have to do whats called a revalidation after two years. This involves a member of the CAA coming in and examining you for say 3 to 4 hours and you then have an oral exam. This must be done to contiue to use your Lisence at an aerodrome.
We also have an Air Traffic inspection every two years so we are regulated and if the aerodrome fails this something must be done to improve it otherwise the CAA may take away the privilages of using a FISO service.
Recording of the RT is not yet in force for a FISO unit (Aerodrome) details of this can be found in CAP 427
I hope this has helped