NATS - ATCO and the PPL
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 24
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Pretty sure it was the account boys that put the mockers on the full PPL, and very nice it was to whilst it existed, I had a PPL beforehand and got 35 hours free flying, gained my IMC and night ratings. The BEA course also proved useful as the instructor was able to sign of the hours towards my IMC, still looks a bit incongrous to have HS21 in the log book but it counted!!
I think the current Kaizen (or going over old ground)event is looking at all things to do with training and one thing is to get the students onto the flight deck. It has been suggested to place it when they are at their units and at least have a bit better understanding and can ask more relevant questions. Problem is that once on a watch the managers say you are not having a fam flight on my budget. So it all goes back to money, which can only get worse now.
H365
I think the current Kaizen (or going over old ground)event is looking at all things to do with training and one thing is to get the students onto the flight deck. It has been suggested to place it when they are at their units and at least have a bit better understanding and can ask more relevant questions. Problem is that once on a watch the managers say you are not having a fam flight on my budget. So it all goes back to money, which can only get worse now.
H365
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: uk
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I wonder how necessary all the pieces of cardboard that have appeared over the last few years would be,if the PPL was still on the ATCO training.Telling us safety this,and remember to do that,and don't do the other.The full PPL teaches most of the commom sense that appears on these pieces of paper.Doing a night rating and IMC only adds to this.
I kept my PPL current for many years after the cadetship,and quite often could translate what I was saying as an ATCO,to how a pilot might understand it.
The basics of flying a Cessna and 747 are the same.In fact some light aircraft of the taildragger variety are just as tricky as jets.I think ATCOs need to appreciate all forms of aviation,and not just the jetliners.Some places still have to talk to everything.
I kept my PPL current for many years after the cadetship,and quite often could translate what I was saying as an ATCO,to how a pilot might understand it.
The basics of flying a Cessna and 747 are the same.In fact some light aircraft of the taildragger variety are just as tricky as jets.I think ATCOs need to appreciate all forms of aviation,and not just the jetliners.Some places still have to talk to everything.
