Originally Posted by
Gonzo
...such as the rehashing of training and retention of those who did not make it through Area/TMA/TC Approach validation, what, ten years ago? Before then, many who didn't quite make it to validation at West Drayton/Swanwick would still have a Student aerodrome rating, and would either stay within NATS and work at an airport, or leave NATS and be picked up by another airport. Airports back then had effectively a 'free' pipeline of trainees, and there was a large pool of them....
Closer to 15 now, March 2003; driven by economic regulation, I understand, rather than any desire to change the process, although cutting costs was no doubt also a large factor. It was considered to be unfair support of the unregulated part of the business by the regulated.
Originally Posted by Gonzo
We live in interesting times.
I haven't noticed any change in motivation in trainees I've met to those I trained with nearly 20 years ago.
We certainly do, & me neither...