Swanwick TC
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 0
From: The foot of Mt. Belzoni.
Surely the "best of the best" work in the towers at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, the LTMA approach radar functions, and Manchester Approach.
I believe they have to pass some kind of assessment as part of the unit interview process prior to starting training. Does a similar process take place with NATS Area?
Do non-NATS airfields have the same requirements?
I believe they have to pass some kind of assessment as part of the unit interview process prior to starting training. Does a similar process take place with NATS Area?
Do non-NATS airfields have the same requirements?
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 446
Likes: 3
From: solent-on-sea
a) yes you still have to do an assessment to get in to an area unit
b) the best being at specific units would require some sort of selective posting of trainees if you believe it's by selection, which isn't supposed to happen, or by becoming the best by working in the busier places, which may or may not happen depending on the individual. You never know if someone could do the 'busiest and best' unless they try it, posting does not necessarily reflect ability.
b) the best being at specific units would require some sort of selective posting of trainees if you believe it's by selection, which isn't supposed to happen, or by becoming the best by working in the busier places, which may or may not happen depending on the individual. You never know if someone could do the 'busiest and best' unless they try it, posting does not necessarily reflect ability.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: on base
I've normally found that those who shout about their ability are the ones you watch the closest. I much prefer it when people say they work at being a safe controller, rather than "they are an excellent controller". An over-rated view of one's ability is perhaps more dangerous than the under-confident person who has to work their nuts off each time.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Portsmouth
Swanwick TC - Made By Its People
Swanwick TC is great place to work made so by the people who work there in all grades. Of course there are variations in experience levels, (perceived) ability, attitude and the various tasks required. No-one is without value and no position is more or less worthy than another. Each sector has distinctive characteristics, varying complexity and its own exciting moments.
I see the whole operation from my dual roles as a sector controller and as a Group Supervisor.
There are always talking points, concerns and issues but the great thing about these is that people care enough to have an opinion. There will be many retirements of experienced and able people who are highly valued in the operation but it is a relief to see the steady arrivals of bright, enthusiastic and able younger people from the College. It is gratifying too to see the sheer effort that is put in to training these new arrivals and the help they get in building their confidence; to see how they develop as team members. As the lovely and 200 year old Brendan says you should never knock someone else for themselves or for their job. Everybody matters.
I see the whole operation from my dual roles as a sector controller and as a Group Supervisor.
There are always talking points, concerns and issues but the great thing about these is that people care enough to have an opinion. There will be many retirements of experienced and able people who are highly valued in the operation but it is a relief to see the steady arrivals of bright, enthusiastic and able younger people from the College. It is gratifying too to see the sheer effort that is put in to training these new arrivals and the help they get in building their confidence; to see how they develop as team members. As the lovely and 200 year old Brendan says you should never knock someone else for themselves or for their job. Everybody matters.
Last edited by notlgw53; 16th February 2009 at 07:03.
