Simple Question!

[Mingcole]

I only have one very simple question want to ask peole already ATCO and will be ATCO or want to be ATCO.

Why do you want to be ATCO? If you already ATCO, why did you apply few years ago? and still enjoy it?

Thanks?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

And those who have been at ATCO?

I spent around 40 years in aviation, 37 in ATC, the last 31 working Heathrow traffic. For me it was a job I really wanted to do from the time I was about 10 or 12.. and I enjoyed just about every single nanosecond. I retired over 3 years ago and whilst I prefer to be at home (always did) I still miss talking to the aeroplanes. Don't ask me why; I must be nuts, but that's it.

I think ATC is about the best job on the planet but be warned - some of the kids nowadays winge and moan and don't know what planet they're on.

[tubthumper]

Simple question, yes: simple answer, no. All I will say is in fourteen years of doing this, I have never met an atco who didn't really enjoy the job. I think that ATC is vocational, like teaching and nursing, in that it has an inexplicable attraction that draws some people to pursue it as a career. I can't quite put my finger on why I enjoy it so much, but I do know that it can frequently give me a genuine "buzz" when things get that little bit more challenging.

Maybe that's it: the idea of being an important linch-pin in a very large, complex, and dynamic machine, doing your bit to make sure that the whole thing keeps on turning and turning....

[Mingcole]

What's the challenge you thinking?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Well, Min... try thinking "250 gallons into a pint pot".

Sir Hudson Fysh (spelling?) a past Chairman of Qantas apparently said something along the lines of trying to get dozens of aeroplanes from all directions on to one runway won't work. He was almost right!

[atcomarkingtime]

Heathrow Director is bang on....many of the younger ones are in for the money and "WINGE" so much......its such an enjoyable job and its nice to walk away from console and think "yeah...that was good!!"

Its fun....we enjoy it!!:)

[360BakTrak]

.......and you don't take your work home with you either:ok:

[atcomarkingtime]

.......don't we???? OOPS!!:\

[atco112]

"a vocation like nursing or teaching"

Who are you trying to kid? I suppose the 50-100k a year has nothing to do with it.

"many of the younger ones are just in it for the money"

So does that mean you would all happily take a pay cut next year? All you old duffers are the first to kick up a fuss if your pay aint increased enough every year just like us young ones.

Mingcole it is a great job but the time off and wages are even better!

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Hi atco112 and welcome to PPrune. Thanks for the respect you show your elders! Just be warned - as sure as God made little green apples YOU will be an old duffer one day.

I don't recall ever "kicking up a fuss" about pay, but that's not my way anyway. I retired 3 years ago after only 31 years service and we've saved money every single month since. If that's what I can do on my pension, I sure as heck wouldn't have moaned when I was earning twice as much.

I totally agree with your very last sentence..

[Mingcole]

Stop := !

I was just set a very simple question, don't want to set a war!!!!

It just what i really want to know about. Because although it was a simple question, but every body should have different answer. Think about the day when you handed your application form? may be for the dream? may be for the money? may be for the challange? may be for the fun?? you all should have at least one reason for get into NATs.

I don't want to say money not good. One reason we work is for family, for the money. But should be something deeply from your heart by that point.

For myself, I know nothing about this job since my husband pass me the paper said: there is a job I am sure you will like!
From then I just like it, don't know why. And when I first saw the job, only £10k, I even think it not too bad. I am not really for the money, just want to do something I can more enjoy. And Nats people are so nice!

Those are my reasons of applying, and also the reasons will keep me try all the time. That is the job I want, and I am sure that will be the job I can get it.

People said to me: There are lots jobs, don't hang youself on the only single tree..... But i only had one tree in my world. That just the choice! the choice i love!

[atcomarkingtime]

Old Duffers!!!!!!;) I like it......I've been in the job just 14 years and I'm just 34......so less of the "old duffers"!!!!
Its a good job.......ok the money is good and the time off good....but its a real good job and I feel happy to do it!!

[atco112]

Atcomarkingtime, with a comment like the younger ones are in it for the money you cant blame me for thinking you where older than your years at 34 you are one year older than me but you must be one of those people who grow old before their years. I am 33 live with my mum and dad and still dream of playing at wembley in the cup final!

Just remember the more money the younger ones earn the more will go into your pension fund.

[Mingcole]

Hey ! Can we stop talk about the money please?

I do want to know what is the challenge of this job rather than the money! Thanks!

[TMAguide]

It is the kind of job you walk away from feeling you have accomplished something good, and the best of all, you take nothing home.

On your way out of the airport, you see the planes parked, the passengers roaming around, and you know that you were part of bring them there safely....

Then we celebrate...to the closet pub :)

Its a great job....:ok:

[ManFromMars]

I've been trying to find a place to put my first post, and figure this is as good a place as any.

I have wanted to be an ATCO for as long as I can remember. Everything that happens with my job is fantastic as far as I am concerned. The feeling of satisfaction I get the whole time is just great.

As for the comments of the younger ones only being there for the money, I would call myself one of the younger ones, and I have to disagree. The guys who are in it for the money very rarely get through the training.

[pikman]

Personally speaking, it took me about 13 years from the outset to become a valid ATCO, and I enjoy every minute of it. I sometimes find it hard to believe I get paid so much money for a job I would quite happily do as a hobby (but don't tell NATS that!!!). I think that the vast majority of ATCO's share a sense of pride in the service that we provide in an increasingly complex environment regardless of discipline or employer. Lets face it, if someone asks you what you do for a living.........

[Helen49]

I spent some 30 years in ATC, saw lots of interesting aircraft, met many good and interesting people, was able to help countless pilots in need of assistance, had good views from the various 'office' windows, almost every day was different, interesting equipment to work with, lots of job satisfaction during busy traffic periods, it was a privilege to be there, particularly knowing that lots of people would have loved to do the same if given the opportunity!
H49