Mil -> Civ ATCO

[sparkyt]

Just after some advice from my fellow controllers.

Not long left to do in the RAF as a fully qualified Terminal ATCO. I'd like to carry on controlling after my Mil time. However, converting my full suite of endorsements to the equivalent Civ licence is about £51k! Clearly, there is the option of only doing ADI but it seems a waste of my experience in radar. The option of running the NATS recruitment gauntlet is unfortunately closed to me at present.

So, is it a case of shutting up and forking out? ADI with the hope of someone sponsoring me through radar? Do I just change careers completely? Would be interested in your thoughts and experiences.
Thanks in advance.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

And you never mentioned the cost of having your brain replaced!!!

Seriously, I wish you all the luck in the world. I would suggest you try NATS when you can.

[sparkyt]

That's a premium add on HD!

[ATCO Fred]

It's almost a right of passage Sparkyt. You'll need to pay for your own Basic / Twr or Basic / Radar but with radar you'll be limiting your employment options. I know those whom have paid for Basic / Twr and Radar to gain employment at the aerodrome of their choice.

As for the NATs option. . . . . it's so chaotic it's like playing the employment lottery and the time from training to entering employment as valid can be extremely flexible. PM me if you want some more advice but there is a lot of movement at the moment so plenty of gaps to fill.

[anotherthing]

Check your PM's

[Una Due Tfc]

Keep an eye on the IAA website, contractors hired for DUB recently, could be more next year. TWR, ACS and APS (both radar rated) all needed up there.

I believe they took a non radar rated mil chap in their latest batch.

[confused atco]

Important bits.
RAF as a fully qualified Terminal ATCO. I'd like to carry on controlling after my Mil time.

and
converting my full suite of endorsements to the equivalent Civ licence

So you do not have an "EU ATCO" licence.

There was a clause that permitted states to recognise service in their own Armed Forces.

IAA took a non radar rated mil chap
Irish Aer Corp.

It does not extend to other countries.

[Doody2007]

It's a difficult one mate. I went down the nats route post raf. Had a basic course and aerodrome course and then posted to a unit. Wasn't happy with where I went so applied to a non nats airfield.

Luckily got accepted as a tower only controller and the company then sent me on approach radar course 6 months later. Now fully valid and deputy supervisor 8 years later so it's certainly achievable.

Most airfields are unlikely to recruit someone without any ratings though so it looks like you will need to find some way to fund it yourself unfortunately. For what it's worth there will be plenty of jobs out there. Aging population of atcos and all.

Good luck. Pm if I can help in any way.