Air traffic controller's assistants
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Costa del Hampshire
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having read all of the postings on this topic to date, and as a serving NATS ATSA, it is rather disheartening to note the "negative" bias contained in the original posting and some of the subsequent replies with regard to the grade and its function. We do not do "chores", nor do we "all have to start somewhere". For some, a career as an ATSA (and no more) is perfectly acceptable and rewarding. The ATSA function, where it is employed, is as important a role within the ATC environment as any ATCO function - we may only be a small piece of the engine that is Air Traffic Control, but take it away, and the engine stops. FACT!!
The current system is designed to work using both ATSA and ATCO personnel. Until technology supercedes the ATSA function, it would be very welcoming to the ATSA grades if this was accepted and recognised by ALL who work with us. We ATSAs may not be sitting in the "hotseats", and our role in the workplace may seem to be of little importance to some ATCOs, but we play our part regardless. We do not seek praise for the duties we undertake, however much of a "chore" they may seem - just the acknowledgement that our part in the ATC environment may not be glamorous, but it is equally relevant nevertheless.
To Andrew M - good luck with your career in ATC, but don't sign up as an ATSA if chores are all you think we are about. And to all you ATCOs out there - remember that "ATCO" is an abbreviation of your job title - it does not mean "superior", nor does it confer on you any superiority over the ATSA grade, however much you'd like to think so.
The current system is designed to work using both ATSA and ATCO personnel. Until technology supercedes the ATSA function, it would be very welcoming to the ATSA grades if this was accepted and recognised by ALL who work with us. We ATSAs may not be sitting in the "hotseats", and our role in the workplace may seem to be of little importance to some ATCOs, but we play our part regardless. We do not seek praise for the duties we undertake, however much of a "chore" they may seem - just the acknowledgement that our part in the ATC environment may not be glamorous, but it is equally relevant nevertheless.
To Andrew M - good luck with your career in ATC, but don't sign up as an ATSA if chores are all you think we are about. And to all you ATCOs out there - remember that "ATCO" is an abbreviation of your job title - it does not mean "superior", nor does it confer on you any superiority over the ATSA grade, however much you'd like to think so.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cheshire, California, Geneva, and Paris
Age: 67
Posts: 867
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would agree wholeheartedly with Connex post, except in one small point. We are not ATCOs, ATSAs, ATCEs etc but we are all EMPLOYEES who come under the demeaning title of Operational Resources.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Southwest
Age: 37
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would also agree with Connex, On my visits to the Bristol Control Tower, I noticed that in a way the ATSA's are running around like headless chickens to help the ATC system, if thats a correct way of putting it. My point is, Ive never seen their job as a chore, but exactly the same as what DC10RealMan said. They do a lot to help the controllers and to help the atc system run smoothly. Going back to the start of my reply, about the Bristol ATSA's, maybe I exagerated slightly but tis true that they were working quite hard when I was there. Ive seen the same on ATC Documentaries too.
Dan.
Dan.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: By here now in a minute
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Top call Connex!
There are many ATCOs out there who know that they've had their skins saved by an ATSA at some point in their careers. I've also heard some arsey cadets be told that "the ATSAs can break you if you treat them like that". Extreme maybe but...
There are many ATCOs out there who know that they've had their skins saved by an ATSA at some point in their careers. I've also heard some arsey cadets be told that "the ATSAs can break you if you treat them like that". Extreme maybe but...
Join Date: May 2003
Location: An island in the ocean
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Theatre Nurses....mmm.... ATSA's.....
(once had a gorgeous, short, blonde babe who wore the shortest mini-skirt and a pair of stilleto's and would climb up the little step ladder to draw up a Tropical Cyclone on the wall chart.... the whole room would turn around... )
(once had a gorgeous, short, blonde babe who wore the shortest mini-skirt and a pair of stilleto's and would climb up the little step ladder to draw up a Tropical Cyclone on the wall chart.... the whole room would turn around...
)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ATSA'S are well respected professionals and essential to the safe and smooth (most of the time) running of the Air Traffic Services.
I wonder how many private (and to that matter, Professional) pilots realise that the helpful, patient, and knowledgeable person
operating London Information is an ATSA, and not ,as most people think, an ATCO sitting in front of a radar screen.
NATS is not staffed purely by ATCO's (it's not in their job reference to replace a radar head, update computer hardware, or hoover the floor). But that said, from a pilots perspective, the quality of the ATCO's from ground, tower, approach, terminal and area radar, are second to none.
Great job guys
Any chance of a radar information service from Essex Radar???
(Keep dreaming!!!)
I wonder how many private (and to that matter, Professional) pilots realise that the helpful, patient, and knowledgeable person
operating London Information is an ATSA, and not ,as most people think, an ATCO sitting in front of a radar screen.
NATS is not staffed purely by ATCO's (it's not in their job reference to replace a radar head, update computer hardware, or hoover the floor). But that said, from a pilots perspective, the quality of the ATCO's from ground, tower, approach, terminal and area radar, are second to none.
Great job guys
Any chance of a radar information service from Essex Radar???
(Keep dreaming!!!)
