ATC stress

[newarksmells]

I truly didn't know the level of stress involved until I read this. Comments such as 'I can't help you,I'm too busy trying to save lives right now' is one of the exchanges. I've got to hope this isn't normal although from reading the mangement input into the report, it appears to be just another night in paradise.

http://news4colorado.com/localnews/local_story_286123424.html

Newarksmells

[Jerricho]

One has to wonder where this "recording" came from. I guess it just magically appeared on a desk at News 4.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I think it might have happened - seen a similar R/T transcript many, many years ago, but don't believe that it's the norm - well, not in the UK.

Stress affects different people in different ways. I and many of my colleagues never became stressed at work but other factors could cause problems. For me it's "white-coat hypertension" - an irrational fear of doctors and hospitals. My annual medicals used to wind me up really bad and just driving past our local surgery brings on bad anxiety.

Directing 20 Jumbo's around the skies of London in bad weather? Piece of cake! Yawwnn.

[gingernut]

Trying to fly the aircraft, whilst not getting lost, and talking to those awfully nice air traffic folk....all at the same time....now thats stressful.

Sat here in my cosy office, in my white coat, putting 20 patients at ease whilst I take their blood pressure.......piece of cake!

[ATC Watcher]

I have seen similar transcripts in the USA ( O´Hare is a good location for that) they are the product of a few individuals that exorcise their stress by using those " triying to be funny" expressions.
As Heathrow Director rightly said, stress affect people in different ways. I have seen people staring and leaving long silences after each transmission, Now that is very scary if you seat beside such a person, but it does not look " good" in a transcript and in the news.