Retirement of ATCO John "Sid" Siddell (EGLL & VHHH)
Saturday 16'th March was ATCO John “Sid” Siddell’s last day on the job in ATC. He has given the aviation sector thirty nine years of loyal and professional service. Please indulge me as I write to honour one of the finest ATC's to have ever served.
Most pilots flying through Hong Kong would not have heard Sid much as he was usually listening in as he instructed the next generation of controllers. When he did work he was excellence personified. Diligent, prepared and precise. Never demanding and always helpful, nothing was ever too difficult. Always calm, and possessed of that wonderful Heathrow ATC radio manner.
As for the man himself; Sid is the epitome of an English gentleman. Tall and slim, he is blessed with George Clooney good looks (the girls made me write that) well mannered, intelligent and caring. Born and raised in London, Sid's boyhood ambition was to be a pilot. In search of a flying background he joined NATS in 1974. After finishing college in Bournemouth he trained at Border Radar and Gatwick before being transferred to Heathrow.
ATC was now his undoubted career and he served as a Tower and Approach controller at Heathrow from 1977 to 1997. During this period he furthered his flying interest achieving his ATPL in 1986 and he flew charters part time with Gama Aviation.
In 1997 Sid left London and joined Hong Kong ATC where he worked Tower and Terminal Radar. During his illustrious HK career Sid maintained the same high standards that he brought with him from Heathrow. Many, many, local trainees will attest to Sid’s excellent guidance and all are most grateful for the vast knowledge he has shared with them. Sid’s influence is going to be greatly missed.
This Monday evening Hong Kong ATC's will be gathering to wish Sid farewell. Please join Delta crew in saluting this remarkable man. Wherever you are in the world; ATCO’s, ATCA’s and pilots please stand with us at 12:34:56Z on the 18'th March, raise whatever is in your right hand and say, "Cheers, Sid.”
Thanks Guv'ner, it's been a pleasure and a privilege.
Best Regards,
Everyone in Delta (& the rest of VHHH)
Last edited by D Team HK; 18th Mar 2013 at 06:38.