This is the first time I've read about this on PPruNe after Spot pointed me here - don't know why I didn't think to look earlier. I am pleased that so many people share my sense of dismay at the way this tragedy is being played out. Spot did me the honour of being my best man at my wedding 10 years ago and I had the privilege of sharing 2 and a half tours with him. I know him to be a capable and responsible controller as well as a solid family man and a b****y good mate.
Whatever the results of this court, those of you who are still controlling should take time to reflect on your own positions. I know that I got into many hairy situations which, thankfully, worked out alright in the end. Indeed, one trait of military ATC, and I'm sure this applies to our civil colleagues too, is a great desire to be flexible and help aircrew more than the strict letter of the law demands of us. This apparent 'blame culture' threatens that as it become more important for a controller to 'check six' before taking that extra step.
I was shocked to read that the RAF may be adding riders to the terms of a RIS (I don't have any verification of this, though. Perhaps someone on the inside can comment), without looking at civil application of the same service. Surely this can only confuse matters since aircrew receive RIS and RAS from mil and civ ATCOs alike?
What happened to Spot that day could happen to any controller, and their actions will then be subjected to critical analysis. Which of us can say that our daily controlling practices would *always* stand up to such critical analysis as we sort multiple inputs, dodgy technology, indifferent management and personal distractions? I couldn't. But prison..?
Whatever the verdict, the RAF will come out of this covered in shame. I can honestly say now that I am immensely pleased I took my option to leave nearly 3 years ago. That upsets me because I enjoyed the RAF life and still believe in what it stands for.
I hope they're as proud of themselves as I am of you lot who are supporting Spot so well. I know it means a lot to him.