Atc Visit

[kindupnorth]

Hi,this is my very first post so please be gentle. I am about to finish my ppl(a) wondered how i would go about arranging a visit to an ATC unit (if it is possible, security etc) to get more of an understanding of what you guys/gals have to do. any help or suggestions welcome.

PS i am based in the sheffield area but dont mind traveling anywhere in the uk.

thanks in advance

the newbie

[Lon More]

If you're flying out of Finningley why not just ask the tower?

[kindupnorth]

Im not based out of finningly unfortunatly. Doncaster radar is operated out of liverpool too! Just after some info about how i would do about arranging, i could be anyone trying to access secure areas.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Bell the ATC unit. Explain who you are and why you want to visit and see what happens. They might say no.... but they might say yes. You'd stand a better chance at a quieter unit than going straight for Heathrow Tower, for example.

[Shrimps]

In 2003 I sent a letter to the ATC manager at Manchester requesting a visit, which was granted. In the letter I explained why I was interested and why Manchester specifically.

I brought my passport as ID and had to be escorted at all times, but there was no actual security to go through, just a number of ID activated and coded doors to prevent unauthorised access.

IIRC I simply sent the letter to the 'Head of ATC'/'ATC manager' or something similar using the airports address; I'd imagine a similar method would work elsewhere.