ATCA

[reportyourlevel]

I, too, am 'out of the game' - does that mean that only current salarymen are entitled to an opinion?

"Hi, here's a ten-year-old opinion. It's probably changed in the mean time, but we did it better then" is neither useful nor interesting. It actually does more harm than good. The OP wants to know what it will be like if he applies now, not at some point in the misty past. Can anyone who is long retired say with complete certainty exactly what ATC is like now, today?

It does make me laugh when I see comments like HDs. I happen to know somebody who used to work at one of the bigger NATS units as an ATCA, and the person in question, by there own admission, done little to absolutely nothing and got paid a very decent wage for it.

I know ATCAs at some of the bigger non NATs units who do a hell of a lot more for a lot less money.

At least someone can see my point on this. My unit is not very big, but the ATSAs have a lot of responsibility - aerodrome inspections, bird control etc. How many "clerks" get to decide the operational status of an airport on a regular basis?

Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt and the scars.

My bold to emphasize that you do view NATS, and it's employees, as superior. That you do not explain why you hold this view is telling.

[Minesthechevy]

<<<Hi, here's a ten-year-old opinion. It's probably changed in the mean time, but we did it better then" is neither useful nor interesting.>>>

I hope that you jump to fewer conclusions in your daily life. Only one of the four elements that make up your reply is vaguely accurate. I was operational at Heathrow only seven years ago; 'it' has certainly changed; I neither claim, nor think, that 'we' did it 'better' then; but I wholeheartedly agree that IF someone HAD said what you quoted, it would not be useful.


<<< Can anyone who is long retired say with complete certainty exactly what ATC is like now, today? >>>

No - but one's experience should not be discounted or belittled.

I would hope that my posting IS of use to the OP.
Endit.

[Kimmikins]

Chevvron

@chevvron You may have been accurate in the past, but I assure you it's not the case now! Age plays no part in whether NATS recruit you...or our course would be half the size

[reportyourlevel]

No - but one's experience should not be discounted or belittled.

Neither should someone's job because they don't work for the big boys.

ETA

Endit.

Hmm.

[Brian 48nav]

Reportyourlevel

You seemed to have missed HD's point completely. He wasn't always in NATS you know, IIRC he had the best part of 10 years in the game before joining NATS including IAL & Oxford.

[rowlyc]

Thanks I will do. I never knew before this forum you could visit towers. One of the other posts mentions about my age and perusing an ATCO job, is there age restrictions?
Thanks again.

[jbba94]

I've found the vacancy, however it says this:

Applicant Requirements:
- Ideally to have completed a Military or Civilian ATCA course.
- Experience within Military or Civilian Air Traffic Control.
- Completed RAF Flying Training.
- Bird Control experience as required.
- Experience of operating a Very pistol.
- IT Literate.
- Hold a full driving licence.

I must have been wrong but I always thought you didn't have to have any aviation background to apply for an ATCA job?

[rowlyc]

The job I am applying for says:
Starting Salary: (Competitive) – Depending upon previous experience.
We are currently looking for a positive, adaptable & forward thinking person to join our team in Air Traffic Services. You will work within the Air Traffic & Airside Operations environment ensuring the safe operation of the aerodrome & associated airspace at all times. However, you will also play a vital role in ensuring that Air Traffic Services integrates with the airport community and continues to develop and improve in all areas.
You should be highly motivated and willing to adopt a hard working, diplomatic & pro-active approach to your work. Shift work, flexibility & communicating clearly and concisely with many different types of people shouldn’t be an issue for you. A thorough training programme awaits you, as does the opportunity to develop your skills and attributes in an exciting and changing environment.
Applications are welcomed from those with experience and/or the ability to work within a demanding operational environment. A meteorological observation certificate would be advantageous, however this is not essential and a positive and forward thinking attitude is equally important within this role.

[DC10RealMan]

I think that most local airfields and airports would like their staff to have some knowledge of the job that they are applying for.

NATS do not require any of their ATC staff whether it be ATCA or ATCO to have any aviation background but I suppose it would be nice if they had.