Bad Drivers - Good Controllers?
 

This is a post from the Forums on ATCEA.com

"It's the culture"

I live in a culture where it's OK to break every traffic law, disregard every stop sign and drive whatever speed you want.

This place is not unique, of course, as I've seen that driving in some places in Europe and South America is similar.

Here's my question. How does this sort of culture produce decent air traffic controllers? For example, if one grows up with a mentality that rules exist to be broken, does that carry over to one's job? Here, the controlling agency is "foriegn," the US FAA, which sets and enforces the standards. But what about the Dominican Republic, for example, or Pakistan or Nigeria?

I'm not saying one culture is better than another, just wondering how the differences in cultures might effect ATC. If anyone has any insights, I'd like to know.

I've been overtaken a million times by blokes in BMWs wearing 4 rings but I don't doubt their professional ability in their aeroplanes. It is a culture to break speed limits, and everyone does it - doctors, policemen, pilots and, yes, probably even the odd air traffic controller (and most air traffic controllers I know are very odd!)

I worked in the U.A.E. which has some of the craziest drivers in the world and the "insh-Allah mentality", but the local controllers were a very professional and dedicated bunch - especially the ones trained by the Brits!:ok:

There is the old saying "rules are for the guidence of the wise and obedience for the idiots".

And a lot of dead pilots belived that one.

All very well to break the speed limit and attribute it to some cultural problem, if you ask me anyone who breaks the speed limit should be forced to spend some time in a hospital A/E. I worked in one before becoming a trainee atco. it's not pretty seeing the result of ego lead driving!!!

But when you drive a car that is wind up there is no chance of breaking the speed limit (unless there is a strong tailwind!) :ok:

Sorry chap couldn't resist.

But to follow on - is it not the practice of several overseas police forces to take people into morgues etc to show them the reality of excessive speed and drinking and driving.

thats all i'm gonna say

Well, Tired.... I may currently be limited to a 'wind-up' car. but what would you know about it, dont they still use horse and carts where you're from?

sorry chap didn't want to resist!!

Och aye in the noo!

breaking speed limits
 

On my first training trip to Germany me and 5 other cars from our ab initio were all speeding on on a german autobahn
They were aware enough to see the speed radar . Me not!
300 DM's on the spot fine.

Ive never met a controller that doesnt enjoy a fast car and has a lead filled boot on the accelerator so as to your question ....NO!

NEED FOR SPEED
 

Back in my "young and foolish" phase as a controller in California, I practically lived on my motorcycle. One year at my flight physical the doctor said, "Oh, you must be a biker."

"How'd you know?" I said.

"You're heart. Bikers all have particularly healthy hearts."

I don't know what that was about, but apparently frequent elevated levels of adrenilan are good for you.

I agree, lots of controllers have a need for speed and a bit of risk - bikers, fliers and fast drivers.

If this were true, then Winnipeg would produce the best controllers in the world. The drivers here suck.

Jerricho mate, you really must get over to Edmonton. If the drivers here don't suck far worse than Winnipeg's I'll be a tad surprised. As to the standard of controllers produced here, the real test will come with the first non-NCTI IFR course!
Anyhoo, there's a growing Aussie crowd here who might even buy you a pint down at the Outback Steakhouse...

"Alberta: we have cattle, oil and guns. Y'all have a nice day, eh?"

"Edmonton; home of the drive-by warning shot."
:ok:

Actually Ln'L a trip over that way could be on the cards real soon.

Drive by warning shot you say? The b*stards here drive WAY to fast to even get a shot away :E

I think it's dead right that controllers like fast cars... you should have seen me driving to Heathrow in my Reliant Robin!

Can't blame peeps who work at TC driving fast through the ghetto of West Drayton.

West Drayton has gone up a notch in the 'nice area stakes' since a certain person moved away!