Why do you want to be an ATCO?
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: ireland
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one mistake and.............
sure, there's other safety nets, but why do conflict alert programs need constant updating, why does your Transponder need to be turned on for TCAS to work etc, . etc..
Answer is anyone of these links can fail and we've all read the Swiss Cheese analogy. It's making sure that my link in the chain doesn't fail while watching for weaknesses in the other links that gives me job satisfaction.
Pride in a job well done!
I'd get that same pride if I was shovelling sh*te.
Answer is anyone of these links can fail and we've all read the Swiss Cheese analogy. It's making sure that my link in the chain doesn't fail while watching for weaknesses in the other links that gives me job satisfaction.
Pride in a job well done!
I'd get that same pride if I was shovelling sh*te.
Presumably there are multiple additional safeguards in place (TCAS etc) to ensure that it is not down to the error of one single ATCO, should the worst happen?
As for the original question, I want to do the job because it involves working shifts, you can't take it home with you, it will make me use my brain and the I suppose I like the responsibility.
Ginger
!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Christchurch
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I get asked all the time why I want to move into ATC and my answers are;
- Less stressful (yes really!)
- Shift pattern means I will actually see my kids and be able to put faces to names
- Salary is pretty good
- I do actually have a passion for aviation too
- To quote another ATCO "We have more time off than teachers and don't take our work home with us!"
Why eat chilli?
It burns your mouth.
It also gets your endorphins going.
ATC gets your brain working overtime.
It's like a computergame except that you need years of background training in a lot of disciplins just to "play"
Avionics, aircraft performance, physics, aerodynamics, radiocommunications, radar, aviation regulations, navigation, noise/flightpath regulations, emergency procedures just to name a few.
There's lots of stuff going on in the background when you hear the controller give a simple vector.
Most days, end of shift, hand over, unplug. go home, Whooo.
Occasionally, "WTF, that was close!"
ATC is an invigorating,satisfying career and I am very happy to have done it for over 25 years.
With the increase in traffic, oil crisis, and current ASP management policies I don't know that I would recomend it as a long term career.
Short term, go for it if you think you will like it.
AA
It burns your mouth.
It also gets your endorphins going.
ATC gets your brain working overtime.
It's like a computergame except that you need years of background training in a lot of disciplins just to "play"
Avionics, aircraft performance, physics, aerodynamics, radiocommunications, radar, aviation regulations, navigation, noise/flightpath regulations, emergency procedures just to name a few.
There's lots of stuff going on in the background when you hear the controller give a simple vector.
Most days, end of shift, hand over, unplug. go home, Whooo.
Occasionally, "WTF, that was close!"
ATC is an invigorating,satisfying career and I am very happy to have done it for over 25 years.
With the increase in traffic, oil crisis, and current ASP management policies I don't know that I would recomend it as a long term career.
Short term, go for it if you think you will like it.
AA
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cheshire, California, Geneva, and Paris
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Amberale,
"Years of background training- Avionics, Aircraft Perf, Physics, Aerodynamics etc" you are having a laugh!!! Not in the UK most atcos particularly the younger ones do not have any appreciation of the basics such as triangles of velocities, navigation, weather knowledge, or aircraft performance.
"Years of background training- Avionics, Aircraft Perf, Physics, Aerodynamics etc" you are having a laugh!!! Not in the UK most atcos particularly the younger ones do not have any appreciation of the basics such as triangles of velocities, navigation, weather knowledge, or aircraft performance.
Last edited by DC10RealMan; 30th Jul 2008 at 14:41.
Join Date: Apr 2006
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Uberlingen
JetSet Willy: see Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937. Note how TCAS was a contributing factor in the accident.
One of the ATCOs involved was subsequently killed by a Russian man who lost his wife and children on the flight. However a court found management guilty, not the ATCOs. In this industry Uberlingen has something of the same connotations as "9/11".
One of the ATCOs involved was subsequently killed by a Russian man who lost his wife and children on the flight. However a court found management guilty, not the ATCOs. In this industry Uberlingen has something of the same connotations as "9/11".
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
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FEAST tests
hi am completely new to this but have enjoyed reading the former posts. am currently waiting to do a FEAST test and am really afraid i'll fail! does anybody know what it is like?
Join Date: Jul 2002
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i wanted to be an ATCO because i thought it would be easy money and a bit of a laugh. I was right on both counts. I coudn't give a monkeys about aviation i have absolutely no interest in it whatsoever, i'm purely in it for the cash. Had i said that in the interview they wouldn't have given me the job so i had to lie and pretend that i liked planes.
Join Date: Aug 2008
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£££££££
I was on a mixed ability course (ATCO's and Engineers ) a little while back and one question was asked - what motivates you to work for NATS. All the ATCO's put money at the top of the list followed by nice car, big house, plenty of time off to enjoy the villa in Florida and a headset as a status symbol!!!
) a little while back and one question was asked - what motivates you to work for NATS. All the ATCO's put money at the top of the list followed by nice car, big house, plenty of time off to enjoy the villa in Florida and a headset as a status symbol!!!
I don't! Little appreciation for what you do/how you do it from customers. Mind-set from above that says that more blood should be squeezed from the stone, never mind the fact that you explained that you wrung it dry the last time they asked. Spending every day feeling like you want it to be your last, but knowing it can't be. Awful pay (for what we do). Opportunity for all expenses paid, all inclusive holidays where you get the opportunity to work harder in worse conditions and, in some locations, get shot at for your trouble. 
But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Now where's that black and yellow handle?
Name my employer in one!
But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Now where's that black and yellow handle?
Name my employer in one!