Visiting ATC, is it possible?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Nottingham
Age: 40
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Visiting ATC, is it possible?
I am considering a career in ATC but before I apply to NATS or anything I would really like to be able to go to an ATC centre and have a look around and a chat with someone who does the job for real. Does anyone know if this is possible in the UK and how would I go about setting it up?
I actually live 1o miles from East Midlands airport so if I could visit the tower there it would be amazing.
Any help appreciated.
Andy S
I actually live 1o miles from East Midlands airport so if I could visit the tower there it would be amazing.
Any help appreciated.
Andy S
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: There's no place like home!
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ATC Visits
Hi EMA747,
Visiting an ATC unit generally isn't a problem, in most cases it's actually encouraged (subject to traffic and workload at the time of course).
I'm sure if you were to get in touch with the public office/PR people/Information Desk at your local airport they'd be able to point you in the right direction to go about organising your trip.
Best of luck
Visiting an ATC unit generally isn't a problem, in most cases it's actually encouraged (subject to traffic and workload at the time of course).
I'm sure if you were to get in touch with the public office/PR people/Information Desk at your local airport they'd be able to point you in the right direction to go about organising your trip.
Best of luck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Nottingham
Age: 40
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the reply. So best to go through the airport rather than phone the tower people themselves (if it's possible even to get their phone number)?
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: ASBO Central
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ring the tower itself and explain exactly what you'd like to do and why. They will usually be very helpful. Don't bother even asking the airport itself. You can get number from www.ais.org.uk and looking for information on the specific aerodrome you want, or just ring the airport switch board and ask for air traffic.
Guest
Posts: n/a
As an encouraging note, I was invited to visit the tower at LPL just through being a member here!
I have been 3 times in the past few months.
Personally, I always take a little "gift" as a thanks to the chap who gives up his time after the end of his shift to show us around. And for his colleagues to enjoy too.
A couple of bottles of wine here and there, box of assorted biscuits, chocs, that kinda thing.
It's not compulsory and not even expected, but I feel I need to show some appreciation.
Good luck with a visit and future career.
Cliff
I have been 3 times in the past few months.
Personally, I always take a little "gift" as a thanks to the chap who gives up his time after the end of his shift to show us around. And for his colleagues to enjoy too.
A couple of bottles of wine here and there, box of assorted biscuits, chocs, that kinda thing.
It's not compulsory and not even expected, but I feel I need to show some appreciation.
Good luck with a visit and future career.
Cliff
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have one main contact at Liverpool tower, I have his mobile number and I ring or text when I have a friend/family interested. It's a good excuse for me to go again.
The chap at LPL usually arranges for me/us to visit at the end of his shift, so when he finishes at, say, 2pm, I can go along and spend an hour or so there, they do welcome visits it seems.
As I said, I choose to take a token of appreciation, after all, this man is giving up his own time to show us around. (Personally, I can't wait to scarper out the gate when I finish work)
The chap at LPL usually arranges for me/us to visit at the end of his shift, so when he finishes at, say, 2pm, I can go along and spend an hour or so there, they do welcome visits it seems.
As I said, I choose to take a token of appreciation, after all, this man is giving up his own time to show us around. (Personally, I can't wait to scarper out the gate when I finish work)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cardiff, UK
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Right, thanks. I'm just wondering it that's the company who runs LPL and there policy. My local (Cardiff EGFF / CWL) is NATS domain, and I don't know what they're like for visits.
Thanks,
G_F
Thanks,
G_F
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Manchester
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was wondering as well. Would it be possible to visit the Control Tower at Manchester Airport? I have visited once when i was on Work Experience. My ambition is to become an ATCO and i was wondering would it be likely that Controllers at Manchester Airport would allow me to arrange a visit?
I do have contacts with an ATCO there and i'm sure he would maybe give it a go.
Thanks
Jack
I do have contacts with an ATCO there and i'm sure he would maybe give it a go.
Thanks
Jack
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Nottingham
Age: 40
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As an encouraging note, I was invited to visit the tower at LPL just through being a member here!
I can' seem to be able to find the phone number of EMA tower from www.ais.org.uk. Can anyone help me find it?
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Out on the bike in Northumberland
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
01332 852852 is the airport switchboard, ask to be put through to Jon Cox the ATSM, in office hours!
he should be able to organise a visit-if there is a problem then PM me and I will try to organise something with my watch
he should be able to organise a visit-if there is a problem then PM me and I will try to organise something with my watch
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: cheshire
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
EMA747
Given your laocation, you could kill two birds with one stone by visiting Manch. a combined twr/app and centre.
Try ringing the training section on 0161 499 5315, they are usually pretty helpful.
Given your laocation, you could kill two birds with one stone by visiting Manch. a combined twr/app and centre.
Try ringing the training section on 0161 499 5315, they are usually pretty helpful.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: UK
Age: 62
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I arranged a visit to the local ATC for a number of us local flyers so we could gain an understanding and appreciation of what effect out activities had on them and vice versa. Spent a couple of hours there and went up to the tower too.
I have to say we had a great time and came away with a little more respect for what the ATCOs do and, I hope, they of us.
Ring them up and go and see them! It's also good to put a face to the voice
I have to say we had a great time and came away with a little more respect for what the ATCOs do and, I hope, they of us.
Ring them up and go and see them! It's also good to put a face to the voice