I have searched through this forum and come across many asking about assistant air traffic controllers. Many replied to that saying an assistant air traffic controllers don't exist, it's either Air Traffic Control Assistant (ATCA) or Air Traffic Services Assistant (ATSA).
But here (where I work) there is a position called Assistant Air Traffic Control Officer (AATCO)!! We did not use to have this....this is sort of a new trend. What they do is when a trainee does the basic ATC course they make him or her an AATCO and give them GND rating. One of the controllers after completion of his aerodrome course has got his aerodrome or TWR rating as well but still he is an AATCO....the idea is to make him an ATCO after 1 year from the day his TWR rating was endorsed.
Does this happen anywhere in the world?
Do air traffic control assistants get to control air traffic?
Do they hold any rating?
