I remain
firmly in Gonzo's corner.
Technology should not dictate what an ATCO can, or cannot, do. If a controller/assistant has an operational need to input text on a FPS, then technology should facilitate that and
NOT limit it.
When I was the desk officer at NATS, responsible for the specification of the LATCC touch-screen plasma-panel comms system, I had endless arguments with the Tels Engineers about the number of channels that could be in use at any time. Their view was that a controller would only need 2 RT frequencies and 2 landlines at any one time.
HELLO? I fought that fight for 2 years, non-stop: I hope it eventually worked out?
Technology is the SERVANT, not the Master. OK?
