Wikiposts
Search
ATC Issues A place where pilots may enter the 'lions den' that is Air Traffic Control in complete safety and find out the answers to all those obscure topics which you always wanted to know the answer to but were afraid to ask.

atc unit visits

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 29th May 2005, 20:01
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: leeds
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
atc unit visits

Is it possible to have more than one unit visit?

If so how would I go about arranging another ie. who should i ask for?

Thanks to anybody that can enlighten me.
xoddsx is offline  
Old 29th May 2005, 20:19
  #2 (permalink)  
Ohcirrej
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: This is the internet FFS.........
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I can think of somebody you could ask, but he would probably charge you fro the information

(Seriously, send a PM to smellysnelly2004. Hopefully he still has the contact details)
Jerricho is offline  
Old 29th May 2005, 20:43
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: LHR/EGLL
Age: 45
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would recommend going on as many visits you can.

PM me if you would like to visit Heathrow.
Gonzo is offline  
Old 29th May 2005, 20:58
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: uk
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Assuming you are applying to NATS:
Official policy NOW is 1 unit visit, max length 2 hours, booked through HR on the web site. This is to stop multiple visits.
Of course, if you manage to circumvent the system: 10/10 for initiative!
viva77 is offline  
Old 30th May 2005, 22:28
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: EGLL
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Send me a PM, I know someone who can FOC.
ILS 119.5 is offline  
Old 30th May 2005, 23:17
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Around
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi xoddsx, try to ignore the valiant flame-warriors.

In reality, it's quite easy to arrange a visit, and I would recommend it. Remember that you don't necessarily have to go to a NATS unit. Going by your location, have you tried Leeds, Doncaster, Humberside, East Mids or Teesside? I don't have the numbers to hand, but you should be able to arrange it by phoning the main airport switchboard and asking to get put through to Air Traffic Control. When you do, ask for the ATC Manager and make your request. Most places are more than happy to help, so don't be bashful.

Good luck!
rodan is offline  
Old 31st May 2005, 18:26
  #7 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: LHR/EGLL
Age: 45
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Perhaps I'll just clarify my point....

As an ATCO who is involved in NATS' recruitment, both at assessment days and interviews, I would recommend you make as many visits as possible.

As rodan says, if you are applying to NATS then I wouldn't be too bothered if you visited non-NATS units, although I think it's beneficial to see both en-route centres (ie. NATS in the UK) and airfields.
Gonzo is offline  
Old 31st May 2005, 20:00
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd back up the multiple visits thing. I managed to get to Swanwick, Heathrow Tower & Lands End & all of them were beneficial and helpful. It's not just the visit but the whole gang of ATCO's you can ask for info that really helps too.

As others have said don't overlook the regionals as they're often able to give you more time if it's a quiet spell. Definitely helps to do En-route and airfield as the ATCO who runs your tech interview is likely to specialise in one of these. Although the interview is certain to cover aspects of both it can't hurt to be able to refer to visits for questions you're asked.

Best of luck to you.
Billy Onions is offline  
Old 31st May 2005, 22:06
  #9 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Apa, apo ndi kulikonse!
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
xoddsx

Sorry that you and the English speaking world have been subjected to petty arguing.

Good luck in the application. Not all in our trade are like this. Honest!
AlanM is offline  
Old 31st May 2005, 22:57
  #10 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: LHR/EGLL
Age: 45
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
xoddsx, please don't be discouraged, we really have the best job in the world. The vast majority of ATCOs would gladly help to arrange a visit to their unit. Contact details can also be found in the UK AIP publication, found at www.ais.org.uk. You do have to register, but it's free. I wish you luck in your application, and perhaps I'll see you soon!
Gonzo is offline  
Old 2nd Jun 2005, 15:24
  #11 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Berkshire, UK
Age: 79
Posts: 8,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I do wish that some people would STOP hijacking threads to carry on their childish arguments. As I have said elsewhere, this is supposed to be a forum for PROFESSIONAL people, but there is little evidence of this in the postings from some morons. Why on earth can't you kiddies carry on your arguments privately instead of on PPrune? Nobody minds a joke, but this is getting tediously out of hand.

XODDSX.. I can only offer apologies on behalf of the vast majority of controllers who are mature adults.
HEATHROW DIRECTOR is offline  
Old 2nd Jun 2005, 20:26
  #12 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well I was at first impressed by the vast amount of knowledge on these forums, but now realise is can be easily spoilt by people who argue between themselves, instead of actually helping.

Anyway, I agree that looking at different ATC units will undoubtedly uncover different aspects and different opinions/advice, so surely it is worth sorting as many visits as possible...

I work at an RAF Unit, and we certainly welcome potential controllers/assistants to the Tower for visits, and are as accommodating and helpful as we can be.

Cheers,
E-n-i-g-m-a-8-3 is offline  
Old 2nd Jun 2005, 23:24
  #13 (permalink)  
Moderator
 
PPRuNe Radar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1997
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The chaff from this thread should disappear in to the vaults ..... the only topic on this thread is about visits.

If anyone wants to start one on recruitment strategies and the qualities of those involved, coupled with essays on success rates and candidates, then feel free
PPRuNe Radar is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.