Airport pass

[LGW15]

I am looking to do a work experience placement at Gatwick Tower and I have contacted NATS about this.

They say that the tower is airside and as it is airside they would need me to get a security pass from airport operator (BAA at Gatwick) so that I could go airside.

I would only be requiring a security pass for one week and is it possible to get a 'temporary' security pass from BAA Gatwick?

[away from home]

LGW15

Yes it will be possible to get a temporary pass if NATS agree to have you there for the week. I've had family members visit and it was never a problem to get their passes-though these were only for 1 day. I'm sure someone from BAA will read this and give you a definitive answer.

AFH

[LGW15]

Thanks for reply.

I have been told by NATS that as the control tower is airside I will need to get a pass from BAA and they don't seem to be able to get them themselves and they say that they can't get them for under 16 year olds.

I am confused by the security pass system because I am currently 14, 15 when I do my week work experience and as I am under 16 it should be easier for me to get a pass because I have no criminal record etc.

[Reverand Lovejoy]

LGW15,

There is more to consider than you have mentioned for the pass. I'm no official but it may be harder for you to obtain a pass because you have no criminal record. Not having a criminal record is not the same as a clean record. You could have a string of offences against you but have had to been handled and recorded differently. Insurance is another factor. Does BAA have liability for under 16 "staff"? Can't see why they should, not many people airside under 16. I really don't want to put you off, just show you the other side of the fence. Keep on at them though. Maybe letters from headteachers and other reputable sources would help sway them.

Good Luck

The Reverand:ok:

[LGW15]

I have no criminal record, offences or any other relevant offences at all to show them.

I am hoping for a week work experience at Gatwick Control Tower so it would be NATS who deal with the insurance.

BAA now say that if I am to get an airside pass I have to get NATS to ask them for it and then BAA authorise it.

I understand where you are coming from but in a control tower there is not much that can hurt me safety wise.

[mocoman]

LGW,

I managed to visit Gatwick Tower a couple of years ago with my son (then aged 13). It was as a guest of the Airfield Management though so that may have made a difference. However, it could also have been that since he was 'accompanied' by a guardian it was possible to issue the pass.

Also, as the Rev indicated, it may be an insurance issue. I'm not sure but I have a feeling that one of the pieces of paper I signed at Security may have contained a clause to the effect that I, as legal guardian, took responsibility for my son while airside.

As an aside there are similar regulations regarding access to the pitlane at race tracks - no under-16's allowed - probably for similar insurance reasons.

Hope you get it sorted out though.

[LGW15]

On my work experience forms they need to have insurance details etc.

It is between BAA and NATS now.
If NATS contact BAA, they will consider me getting a pass and if I do it is down to insurance at the control tower.

mocoman
Did you have to sign forms about security etc. in advance or up front?

[mocoman]

Forms were signed on arrival at Security when passes were issued, but we had to provide passport details etc in advance of the visit.

hth

[LGW15]

BAA seem to be keen on giving me a pass if NATS request it.

BAA have said I would need to be escorted everywhere etc. and I understand all procedures etc. but basicly all I want to do is be in the control tower.

I wouldn't mind if I was sat on a chair all day watching the controllers, it would be great for me and this is just how enthusiastic I am about it.


I have tried applying to Swanwick and they have filled to capacity.

[DrRedHead]

LGW15, yea I know how you feel,
I asked similar questions to Newcastle to which I couldn’t get any sort of work experience, well because there was nothing much I could do so they didn’t offer anything. On the other hand I did get a wkd visit to the control tower and well as you say (and i did) could sit in a chair all day and watch

. Just out of curiosity would you by any chance know what you are getting up to on your place (except making tea and coffee?)


The Dr

[LGW15]

DrRedHead,
I havn't got a clue what I would be doing but Gatwick is second airport of UK so I would probably be gagged and tied to a chair incase they think I do something!

Seriously, I expect I could give a few clearances and that about it but just to spend a week up in the tower - suits me fine.

[away from home]

Sorry to tell you but unfortunately there is no chance of you speaking over the RT. This is only allowed by people who have an RT licence-most assistants in the towers aren't even allowed to.
I think you would probably just get to plug in and listen, with the ATCOs trying to explain what they are doing. Like you said though, that should hopefully be interesting enough for you. I think you will enjoy your time if you manage to get your passes sorted.
All the best
AFH

[LGW15]

Person I have contacted at NATS says only reason not to allow me to go there was the passes.

I have spoken to BAA and they say that if NATS ask them for one for me they will give one.

Away from Home,
As you say, speaking on RT is illegal for me just as I thought but I would enjoy my time immensly just to sit and listen in on a proper headset looking across the airfield.

[DrRedHead]

You may not be doing much physically but you learn A LOT, I was in the tower for 3 hrs at Newcastle and I learnt soooooo much it was unbelievable. (Big thanx to Joe Green for the opportunity, it was much appreciated.

Tell me how it turns out it would be nice to know what sort of things you got up to

The Dr

[LGW15]

Will let you know what happens.

NATS said they can't even offer me a visit without an airside pass and they think BAA won't give one to under 16s which is incorrect BAA say.

Will no on Monday whether NATS go through with it. If they do, then it will be in May 2006 I go there for a week.
:ok:

[pushapproved]

LGW15

We can arrange a visitors pass for you for 1-5 days but because you are under 16 we require to have the pass countersigned by the BAA Ops Duty Manager - which isn't really a problem!

We have rarely taken work experience students because there is very little for you to do - as has already been mentioned you can't speak to the aircraft on the RT for example!

Unfortunately I'm not in a position to approve your work experience but I can at the very least arrange a visit to the Tower at Gatwick for you if you do get turned down!

Regards, Pushapproved.

[LGW15]

I have contacted the 'Senior press officer' at NATS and he said only reason to refuse was that he coudn't get the passes!

But as you say, BAA will give me a pass but 'sponsoring company' which is NATS have to request it.

Will send a PM, pushapproved

[LGW15]

Pushapproved,
If you are still out there, please check your PMs I need your help!!
:{

[Seaton Approach]

NATS / BAA,

Come on guys - give the lad a break and SORT IT OUT! It ain't rocket science.

Authorised Signatory for NATS should know the procedure and should be co-ordinating the whole thing....

LGW15, hope your visit comes off mate. Even if you just sit there and listen in, plenty going on and plenty to learn - ENJOY!

Cheers,
SA! :ok:

[lobby]

What has the senior press officer got to do with work experience? :confused: From my experience EGKK does not allow work experience. I was there for some years myself and hardly experienced any!

[LGW15]

Cheers for the positive comments guys.

Seaton Approach,
the passes situation has now been resolved and they will get one airside even if I am under 16.
I am hoping this will work now, as I said before all I want to do if just literally 'be there' for a week and if they want me to do something I will and if not I will sit there and watch and learn.

lobby,
I used the NATS website contact form to initally ask about this and I got a reply from the Senior Press Officer. How else would I get the contact address!?

I do not want to have work experience with EGKK as in BAA, I want a one week placement at Gatwick Control Tower.

And on that note, A MASSIVE :ok: to pushapproved!
He knows why! ;)

[LGW15]

Pushapproved,
could you check your PMs again!
Sorry to keep asking! :O

Thanks