HKATC Why do we need so many TWR controller if we already have a long queue?

[Sad-Cold]

Could anyone tell me the reason why do we have to attend TWR as our 1st controller rating? While there are already so many TWR rated staff. Will it not just creates a bottle neck for TWR but also a longer delay for ER and the later on radar rating?
Will it be more cost effective and easier for manpower arrangement if we can do it in 2 separated streams: either TWR or ER? If the ultimate goal is dividing controllers into TWR or ER streams anyway?
Any comments?

[throw a dyce]

Has it not got something to do with the pay and grading for locals.If you get Radar ratings then you become an Atco 2.There are a few 'why' questions in there so you won't get any answers from HKATC management.I would say yes you're right,but then I tried to get on APP for 2 years,and left because they just weren't interested.They also put some younger gweilos in the TWR,and older guys on APP radar.Figure it out?:ugh:
Also you could argue that the TWR is the first stepping stone,to get experience etc.Not a bad thing.It also sounds like they have a training log-jam on the 6th floor.Can't comment any further,since I don't work there anymore(and don't care).However maybe someone from HKATC can comment,or are they too scared for their contracts.:E

[Lap? Kok? - Chek!]

Who can figure out how they think on the 4th floor?
I can remember back in '96 when expats started to arrive here in numbers and it was being decided who went where, one controller arrived in HK with 25 years ATC experience, 24 in TWR/APPCH and 1 in en-route. When he was asked where he wanted to work he said TWR/APPCH and was told that there were no spaces on the next tower course so he must do en-route.
The very next course, which started a matter of weeks later, a Canadian arrived who in 26 years of ATC had never set foot in a control tower. Guess which course he was put on - yep, TWR
The govt spent good money to get good, experienced controllers and then completely ignored any and all advice that was offered to them back when CLK opened - nothing has changed.
I can only express amazement that so many of the original expats are still here given the frustrations of living and working in Hong Kong.
Lets face it the money is not that good anymore and, unlike the old days at Kai Tak, there is little or no prestige associated with working in Hong Kong anymore.

[throw a dyce]

I can't remember getting a choice.I asked to change to APP/RAD after 2 years in the TWR at CLK and was told it was a big cannot.I was one of the youngest Gweilos with 18 years experience on APP/RAD at the time.So I just came home,and went back to TWR and APP/RAD here.
Since the time I went to HK until now,here there has been 9 pay rises with another due next month.HK has more or less stood still.I think a lot of Gweilos are just holding tight until retirement.

[gweiloairline]

because from my experience working in HK ATC years ago
@management always think that TWR and APP are a brilliant lot and
Area a bunch of dullards.
Hence you should congrulate yourself for being the 'chosen' lot for starting in TWR.

[LapSap]

Isn't that the Orwellian concept ( a la "4 legs good, 2 legs bad") on the 4th Floor - "APP/TWR good, AREA lapsap".

[Lovely_Management]

Sad-Cold, one more outlet: polish Brother4's shoe and you will then be seconded to FSAD.

Tip: Make sure you are "縮骨" :E