Bad News CATC March has fallen thru
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: NAV Canada
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You say some of the early replies had useful info and help?
I think some of the later replies, particularly from VERY experienced ATCOs and one of Bournemouths best instructors - on the Approach/Aerodrome side you didnt want so badly, hold some crucial points that will move this forward.... as you say finito!!!
Think weve been told to shut up guys..... look forward to maybe training you in the future and see how CATC went!
Guess it must be easy to wind all of us up!!!
I think some of the later replies, particularly from VERY experienced ATCOs and one of Bournemouths best instructors - on the Approach/Aerodrome side you didnt want so badly, hold some crucial points that will move this forward.... as you say finito!!!
Think weve been told to shut up guys..... look forward to maybe training you in the future and see how CATC went!
Guess it must be easy to wind all of us up!!!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Hampshire
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Well bugger me. Billy pesters HR and finally gets his medical and security form done, he then threatens his ex employers with tribunal due to shocking behaviour - he then sits with fingers crossed hoping that that June start might become the March he was hoping for......
Well christ - he's back after kissing various elderly relatives over the joyous season and what welcomes him? A bloody Gas bill, an Electricity bill, a letter from NATS stating all courses are up the spout and this whopping thread. I ask you - where's a DeLorean and an eighties film star when you need them. Back to the bloody agencies on Monday then.
Billy Onions
PS: I am interested what's gone on though - because throughout my recruitment the story has been that most will go to area and there are shortfalls everywhere - so I'm a bit worried as to the future of ATCO recruitment if this sea-change is anything to go by - anyone any clue as to what's going on? Are NATS now over-subscribed or what? Happy New Year by the way.
Well christ - he's back after kissing various elderly relatives over the joyous season and what welcomes him? A bloody Gas bill, an Electricity bill, a letter from NATS stating all courses are up the spout and this whopping thread. I ask you - where's a DeLorean and an eighties film star when you need them. Back to the bloody agencies on Monday then.
Billy Onions
PS: I am interested what's gone on though - because throughout my recruitment the story has been that most will go to area and there are shortfalls everywhere - so I'm a bit worried as to the future of ATCO recruitment if this sea-change is anything to go by - anyone any clue as to what's going on? Are NATS now over-subscribed or what? Happy New Year by the way.
Join Date: Aug 2003
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BillyOnions, sorry to hear that - I know how serious you are about this and i can assure you NATS will never be oversubscribed and always needs more good ATCOS.
The problem is a lack of training places at units, and in recent years guys/gals have been left around holding for spaces on course modules and even live training... not the best way to train as constancy and continuity are very desirable in anybodys training for success.
NATS has made several awful errors in training and recruitment over the years which leaves us in the shortages we currently have in every ops room and most tower/approach facilities.
Its never been an easy process, although it sounds like its even worse. All we can say is keep pluggin away and they will come!!! Dreadful situation to be unemployed over it, but how about some of the advise seen here and get down the airport and try to find summat to suit your interests in the meantime??? Gotta be worthwhile... Good luck
The problem is a lack of training places at units, and in recent years guys/gals have been left around holding for spaces on course modules and even live training... not the best way to train as constancy and continuity are very desirable in anybodys training for success.
NATS has made several awful errors in training and recruitment over the years which leaves us in the shortages we currently have in every ops room and most tower/approach facilities.
Its never been an easy process, although it sounds like its even worse. All we can say is keep pluggin away and they will come!!! Dreadful situation to be unemployed over it, but how about some of the advise seen here and get down the airport and try to find summat to suit your interests in the meantime??? Gotta be worthwhile... Good luck
Join Date: Feb 2003
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I have been reading this thread with interest...I'm about 6 weeks from finishing Area 2 and have to say that although when I first started at CATC two years ago I would have preferred an Approach/aerodrome course I wouldn't change my current situation for anything, even if family precedent says otherwise 
.
I get paid for learning how to talk to aircraft (ok maybe a little more complicated than that
), I get paid for reading about aircraft and air traffic control (not the most exciting books but it keeps me busy) and I also get paid £440 a month to live in Bournemouth and an occasional trip home to Devon....how could I possibly complain?
I have been subject to some interesting decisions regarding postings during OJT, holding etc, and although I didn't like the potential outcome I would have followed orders - NATS pays us so I guess they can tell us what to do and where to go? or have I missed something? (as it happened, a couple of friendly chats with various people including Graham sorted the situation).
The past two years have been the best of my life, I've met some great people (even the instructors aren't too bad
) and to be honest I don't even think about my job as 'work'.
I've seen quite a few courses start since I joined in Mar 2003 and of course attitudes vary, although the most successful courses certainly seem to be the ones who keep their heads down and work hard without making waves - I heard someone complaining this week they are annoyed that their time at the college might be extended by a month...some people on my course have been here for about three years...just stop complaining, get on with it, use the college time as a great way to learn as much as possible about ATC and you will fly through.
...and please try to get on with your fellow college students, the December course have really made an effort and I am sure it has been noticed by the instructors, who might just make that little extra effort if they think it will be reciprocated.
Anyway, sorry for waffling, I want to congratulate those who are starting in the next year, and look forward to meeting you at some point in the future.
.I get paid for learning how to talk to aircraft (ok maybe a little more complicated than that
), I get paid for reading about aircraft and air traffic control (not the most exciting books but it keeps me busy) and I also get paid £440 a month to live in Bournemouth and an occasional trip home to Devon....how could I possibly complain?I have been subject to some interesting decisions regarding postings during OJT, holding etc, and although I didn't like the potential outcome I would have followed orders - NATS pays us so I guess they can tell us what to do and where to go? or have I missed something? (as it happened, a couple of friendly chats with various people including Graham sorted the situation).
The past two years have been the best of my life, I've met some great people (even the instructors aren't too bad
) and to be honest I don't even think about my job as 'work'. I've seen quite a few courses start since I joined in Mar 2003 and of course attitudes vary, although the most successful courses certainly seem to be the ones who keep their heads down and work hard without making waves - I heard someone complaining this week they are annoyed that their time at the college might be extended by a month...some people on my course have been here for about three years...just stop complaining, get on with it, use the college time as a great way to learn as much as possible about ATC and you will fly through.
...and please try to get on with your fellow college students, the December course have really made an effort and I am sure it has been noticed by the instructors, who might just make that little extra effort if they think it will be reciprocated.
Anyway, sorry for waffling, I want to congratulate those who are starting in the next year, and look forward to meeting you at some point in the future.
Join Date: Dec 1999
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even if family precedent says otherwise
I have to agree with Phantom99 on his point about keeping your heads down and concentrating on getting on with people and getting the work done.
At the end of the day we all know ATCOs who knew next to nothing about ATC when they started, and through good manners, keenness to learn and hard work are now valid and competent.
On the other hand I've met one or two people on visits to Heathrow (either while at CATC or during selection) who came knowing quite a bit of theory, and almost seemed quite arrogant, to the extent they started criticising pilots while they were listening in with me, when I'd explain what I was doing they'd either say 'I knew that.....yeah, that's obvious...' or start talking to their friend and ignore me! Now, you might well know more than me, you might have done some virtual Heathrow GMC on the internet, but I don't think that's the correct attitude to have when you're training. It certainly wouldn't have helped if I had ever or will ever train them.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that what you do or do not know when entering this career is not as important as how you go about it.
PS And before I get flamed by anyone on VATSIM, I must just say that this case was the exception, and virtually everyone I've met through it by hosting visits, have been great.
I've not had much time to browse PPRuNe of late, and have just picked-up this thread.
Suffice to say that way back in 1971 I was more than delighted to get a place on No. 21 Course at "The College".
In those days it was nigh on a 3-year course encompassing Aerodrome, Approach and Area competencies.
There was never any thought of whingeing about future postings; we were simply proud of being selected to do the job, wherever that may have taken us.
We didn't have any option as to postings, and I cannot think of anyone who resigned as a result of being posted to a unit which may not have been the individuals' first choice.
Incidentally, I dropped-off of the course for medical reasons, but still did another 30 years as an ATSA at LATCC.
Suffice to say that way back in 1971 I was more than delighted to get a place on No. 21 Course at "The College".
In those days it was nigh on a 3-year course encompassing Aerodrome, Approach and Area competencies.
There was never any thought of whingeing about future postings; we were simply proud of being selected to do the job, wherever that may have taken us.
We didn't have any option as to postings, and I cannot think of anyone who resigned as a result of being posted to a unit which may not have been the individuals' first choice.
Incidentally, I dropped-off of the course for medical reasons, but still did another 30 years as an ATSA at LATCC.
