ATC History
Joined: Nov 2005
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
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From: Wildest Surrey
Sorry I lied!
Thinking back, I reckon Wisley/Ockham came into use with the big LTMA re-organisation of 1977. At the same time another VOR at Stapleford Tawney was introduced named Ongar; however it was found the reception on some aircraft radios made made this sound too similar to Ockham so Ongar was changed to Lambourne.
Thinking back, I reckon Wisley/Ockham came into use with the big LTMA re-organisation of 1977. At the same time another VOR at Stapleford Tawney was introduced named Ongar; however it was found the reception on some aircraft radios made made this sound too similar to Ockham so Ongar was changed to Lambourne.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Reading, UK
According to the Piket/Bish book, the Wisley VOR was introduced on 9th December 1971 to replace the Epsom NDB (which was retained as a standby). It was renamed Ockham 20 weeks later, on 27th April 1972.
Four weeks prior to the above, on 30th March 1972, the NDB at Ongar was replaced by a VOR, which in turn was renamed Lambourne on 28th March 1974.
Four weeks prior to the above, on 30th March 1972, the NDB at Ongar was replaced by a VOR, which in turn was renamed Lambourne on 28th March 1974.
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Surrey, England
I recall being told the Heathrow “EPSOM” holD was name changed to “OCKAM” to appease the numerous wealthy and politically influential residents of Epsom, who objected to having a holding stack over their manor. They were overjoyed the EPSOM stack was withdrawn, not realising that the introduced OCKAM stack in effect still put holding aircraft over them!
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: NI
Does anyone know which alternative sites were surveyed before the selection of Swanwick for LATCC II / EERC / NERC?
The only snippet I've found is from Flight 6 May 1989 stating that for logisitical reasons the candidate sites had to be within two hours drive of West Drayton.
A survey of LATCC staff that year found that 62% "expressed a willingness" to move to the Southampton / Portsmouth area, but what else was on the survey...?
Unfortuntely the trail then goes cold until 1994 when the new building was revealed at the former site of the Bursledon Brickworks in Swanwick.
The only snippet I've found is from Flight 6 May 1989 stating that for logisitical reasons the candidate sites had to be within two hours drive of West Drayton.
A survey of LATCC staff that year found that 62% "expressed a willingness" to move to the Southampton / Portsmouth area, but what else was on the survey...?
Unfortuntely the trail then goes cold until 1994 when the new building was revealed at the former site of the Bursledon Brickworks in Swanwick.
Joined: May 2000
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From: SE England
I seem to remember that the first location was supposed to be towards Swindon or Gloucestershire. John? Barrett the NERC programme director told a story about the council getting worried about the potential for extra overflights if they accepted the new centre and becoming less helpful.
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: River Thames
There was a fairly long list initially, including these
Leighton Buzzard/Milton Keynes
nr Fareham: Swanwick
nr Fareham: Whiteley
Swindon: South Marston (> Honda factory)
Swindon: hospital nr M4 junction 15
nr Petersfield: nr Liss
Leighton Buzzard/Milton Keynes
nr Fareham: Swanwick
nr Fareham: Whiteley
Swindon: South Marston (> Honda factory)
Swindon: hospital nr M4 junction 15
nr Petersfield: nr Liss
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Wildest Surrey
Also Farnborough which was being re-developed. Dent and his colleagues took a trip up the radar tower to view the area; First we heard was a phone call from our techies telling us that they had got stuck in the lift due overcrowding (it could only take a maximum of 2 persons) and could somebody go over and let them out; they hadn't even told us they were visiting!
