area or tower?
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Apa, apo ndi kulikonse!
Captain Spunkfarter and his wannabe slave (shall we call him "Gonzo") come to the college and hand pick the best of the best (It's just like Top Gun!)
If you are REALLY, REALLY lucky you get to avoid LHR!
If you are REALLY, REALLY lucky you get to avoid LHR!
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,432
Likes: 33
From: LHR/EGLL
You're holding on too tight Gonzo - time to let go.
That's what she said.....
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Our client, Gonzo, would like to make it known that at no stage in his career has he ever undertaken any duties or tasks at the behest of Head of Training at Heathrow that could in any way, shape or form be construed as befitting a 'slave', let alone a 'wannabe slave'. Any circumstancial evidence to the contrary is purely coincidental.
On a personal note, and completely unconnected with AlanM's poisonous and bitter meanderings on this thread, I'd like to point out that jealousy is an ugly emotion when displayed in public.
Regards,
R. Dewey
Senior partner
Dewey, Cheetam and Howe
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Near London, alledgedly..
Hmmm... In my opinion, you shouldnt ask that question! Well, let me clarify... you should phrase it differently! Why?
Mainly, because people will give you different views about what they do, especially as a lot of people these days are single skilled in terms of their everyday job. Ive spoken to many radar controllers who love radar and cant stand the thought of tower.
Now me... I love working in a tower and I have no urge to work radar. I love looking out the window, seeing trees, the sun, the rain, the clouds, building CBs, sunsets and sunrise (Which makes morning shifts worthwhile!) and most importantly, the amazing feat which is man-made aircraft flying!! It always amazes me!
But my point is that whoever you ask can argue the point for what they like, but its your decision!!
Mainly, because people will give you different views about what they do, especially as a lot of people these days are single skilled in terms of their everyday job. Ive spoken to many radar controllers who love radar and cant stand the thought of tower.
Now me... I love working in a tower and I have no urge to work radar. I love looking out the window, seeing trees, the sun, the rain, the clouds, building CBs, sunsets and sunrise (Which makes morning shifts worthwhile!) and most importantly, the amazing feat which is man-made aircraft flying!! It always amazes me!
But my point is that whoever you ask can argue the point for what they like, but its your decision!!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Near London, alledgedly..
Oh, and to further add to the case Gonzo vs. AlanM, I think that not being selected for LL was one of the best things that happened to me. Seriously.
But I wouldnt want to lob a rather large cat into a small bag of birds now...
And again, for the benefit of the initial question asker and anyone else choosing places to work, thats individual choice!!
But I wouldnt want to lob a rather large cat into a small bag of birds now...
And again, for the benefit of the initial question asker and anyone else choosing places to work, thats individual choice!!
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,432
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From: LHR/EGLL
Damn it man, I have over 300 business cards with those silly red and yellow stripes. I need to give them away somehow!
Gary 4409, being serious for a moment: Working in a tower means you see aeroplanes. That's a bonus for some. Another plus is that you'll work at an airport, and there is something to be said for that. Make you feel part of something. Personally I'd rather work at an airport than at an aera centre out in the sticks or on a housing estate in West Drayton. Don't get me wrong, I love doing radar when I have the chance (although nowadays it's more often in a sim than not), but I wouldn't give up working in the tower.
I know plenty of guys who wanted to work at an airport whilst they were at the college, but got put on the area course. None of them feel like they missed out, or regret it. It's that sort of job.
Gary 4409, being serious for a moment: Working in a tower means you see aeroplanes. That's a bonus for some. Another plus is that you'll work at an airport, and there is something to be said for that. Make you feel part of something. Personally I'd rather work at an airport than at an aera centre out in the sticks or on a housing estate in West Drayton. Don't get me wrong, I love doing radar when I have the chance (although nowadays it's more often in a sim than not), but I wouldn't give up working in the tower.
I know plenty of guys who wanted to work at an airport whilst they were at the college, but got put on the area course. None of them feel like they missed out, or regret it. It's that sort of job.
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: No Fixed Abode
Originally Posted by Gonzo
Kestrel 909,
You do get to state your preference.
'I don't know' is the answer to your second question.
You do get to state your preference.
'I don't know' is the answer to your second question.
I see, thanks.
Maybe one of these days I will actually meet you, bloke with the cigar, right?
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Greystation
Very difficult question to answer and a very dangerous question to ask, it can open up the "us and them" can. I'd probably say that if you are undecided or don't really have a preference then just go with whatever you get and you'll probably really enjoy it. Personally I went in thinking I'd love to sit in a tower staring out watching the birds get airborne and fly away, I had great fun doing the Aerodrome course, still remember all the great times I had on my 6 weeks training I did at Gatwick, am always up for a visit into a tower where ever it may be, and will sit at an airport waiting to go away and watch the movements for a while. However you'll have to fight hard to get my radar ticket changed over to tower. The thrill of moving aircraft all over the sky and making them miss while they climb out or descend in, or being the first to help when they REALLY need it, can give you such a buzz when you walk away knowing what you have just managed to do. Every seat in every ATC position be it Area, Approach or Tower has the ability to provide that so I wouldn't worry too much about what you would prefer to do, just go and enjoy what you actually get.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
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From: GLASGOW
cheers guys, i visited atlantic house at prestwick and was fascinated by what went on there, on the other hand working at an airport and seeing aircraft that you have just communicated with coming into land really appeals to me.. so i ll probly just go for the old toss of the coin and hope for the best
cheers
cheers
