Ambient recording
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Berkshire, UK
Great fun. Yonks ago they introduced a system at Heathrow where we had to input our initials on intercom when we took over a position. Everyone used the same initials - those of a senior manager.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: The foot of Mt. Belzoni.
When we changed to NODE equipment in the early 1990s, it was rumoured that the headsets were 'live' all the time, and that systems/management could listen in at any time, should they so wish.
Whether it was true, I don't know, but it wouldn't be difficult to have recorded it on a separate channel.
Will there be a requirement for ambient mikes on the supervisor's desks too? Those who man them play key parts in most ATC incidents.
Whether it was true, I don't know, but it wouldn't be difficult to have recorded it on a separate channel.
Will there be a requirement for ambient mikes on the supervisor's desks too? Those who man them play key parts in most ATC incidents.
Last edited by ZOOKER; 11th February 2017 at 15:46.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 353
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From: Around
As I understand it (and I may be incorrect), it is an ICAO requirement and a CAA recommendation in CAP 670. If you were introducing new VCCS equipment, you'd probably need a good reason for not specifying it.
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: On the wireless...
Our Veristore ambient recording came into operation in 2015. People still forget it's on though. The kit also records the radar as seen on the screen.
At the old Gatwick tower as long ago as '68 the Sup could discreetly listen into just about any comms from the Sup's desk, so it was preferable to remove one's headset when slagging him off.
At the old Gatwick tower as long ago as '68 the Sup could discreetly listen into just about any comms from the Sup's desk, so it was preferable to remove one's headset when slagging him off.
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: behind the fruit
Great fun. Yonks ago they introduced a system at Heathrow where we had to input our initials on intercom when we took over a position. Everyone used the same initials - those of a senior manager.
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,432
Likes: 33
From: LHR/EGLL
Even this thread shows there are several interpretations of the phrase 'ambient recording'.
I take it to mean a system that would pick up every sound in the ops room, whether on mic or not.
Just as on the CVR.
I take it to mean a system that would pick up every sound in the ops room, whether on mic or not.
Just as on the CVR.
