NATS 1977: The People Who Make Air Travel Possible
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 965
Likes: 46
From: Ташкент
NATS 1977: The People Who Make Air Travel Possible
Don't usually post links but this blast from the past... well it was totally engrossing and seems just to be released from BBC Archives.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
From: EGPF/EGPK
At the outset, I should mention that my proper home on this Forum is Spectators' balcony. I remember when this programme was shown on BBC Scotland and I think it was broadcast on BBC Scotland and not the Network. To go slightly off topic, the programme was obviously made before the commissioning of the then new facility at Atlantic House and the introduction of SIDs and STARs at Prestwick, Glasgow and Edinburgh and I wonder if anyone has a recollection of the date when these changes took place.
Joined: Dec 2015
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 867
Likes: 672
From: Budapest
Doesn't answer all your questions but is rather good anyway!
https://nats.aero/blog/prestwick-air...entre-history/
https://nats.aero/blog/prestwick-air...entre-history/
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
As mentioned above Atlantic House opened 5th April 1972 (from Peter Berry's excellent book "Prestwick Airport & Scottish Aviation") when the Ocean moved in. Redbrae move completed in November 1978 I think.
SIDS/STARS for Glasgow were based on GOW VOR which was built 1987 , there may well have a previous procedure.
SIDS/STARS for Glasgow were based on GOW VOR which was built 1987 , there may well have a previous procedure.
Moderator
Joined: May 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 294
Likes: 137
From: Europe
Although this belongs to the forum " Aviation History and Nostalgia" ( more of the second I guess) I leave it here as it is more ATC specific and change a bit the standard narrative.in here . One thing we realize when looking at this film is how. in 50 years the role and responsibilities of women changed in our professions .From brushing your uniform before leaving home to writing and distributing strips in the centres . It is almost kind of painful to look at this today ..
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
From: EGPF/EGPK
Doesn't answer all your questions but is rather good anyway!
https://nats.aero/blog/prestwick-air...entre-history/
https://nats.aero/blog/prestwick-air...entre-history/
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 31
From: Herefordshire
Senior Controller
What is painful about watching a lady brushing her husband's uniform? In those days we husbands would check our ladies finery before going out, including when asked "Are my ( stocking ) seams straight? My wife and I still look out for one another's turn-out when required. I think you are looking for sexism where none existed.
Moderator
Joined: May 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 294
Likes: 137
From: Europe
I was not looking for sexism but just referring to an long gone filming era where that second role was always typically put forward. and that is not longer fitting today's reality . just like smoking on the workplace . In the 70s in my centre almost everyone was smoking , some chain smoking and we had ashtrays embedded in the consoles., same in cockpits. Anyway, english is not my mother tongue . maybe I should have chosen another word than "painful "more like like funny to watch ...
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 31
From: Herefordshire
Senoir Controller
Thank you for your reply. I don't think the fairer sex were always displayed in a secondary role. My wife always considered, and still does, that the role of 'Homemaker' was far more important than running a company or being General Manager London Centre. I do agree however that the fairer sex are much better represented in careers such as ATC and piloting. In fact when I was posted to EGLL in '86, for a unit strength of 75 operational ATCOs only 4 were ladies. By the time I retired in 2000 on my watch of 13 controllers (including Thames ) there were 5 including the Watch manager.In fact one of my daughters-in-law is an ATCO at Swanwick.
Smoking - ugh! As a young man I was a Hercules navigator and often the only non-smoker on the crew. As an ATCO at London Centre in the 70s, it (smoking ) was awful. You could be working on a 'Flat-Top' radar console surrounded by pipe, cigar and cigarette smokers. At last in '89 it was forbidden - happy days.
Smoking - ugh! As a young man I was a Hercules navigator and often the only non-smoker on the crew. As an ATCO at London Centre in the 70s, it (smoking ) was awful. You could be working on a 'Flat-Top' radar console surrounded by pipe, cigar and cigarette smokers. At last in '89 it was forbidden - happy days.
