Reasons for becoming a controller.
 

Hi everyone,

I'm part way through the application process for ASA (testing shortly) and I've just gotten curious about what made people want to become an ATC'er in the first place. I guess when you've loved aviation since a kid like I have, flying the big jets or fast fighters is probably all you think of at that age and other demanding/technical careers like ATC weren't given much thought.

My interest in ATC has grown rapidly over the last 2 yrs or so, but prior to that it was all about the flying. Not meaning to sound like ATC is only a 2nd best thing after giving up on flying, but circumstance had me looking for something else in aviation that would pay the bills but still give me the challenge and thrill of flying. I now want this career just as much as I ever wanted to fly professionally.

Just interested to hear what motivated people to become a controller. Is it something you've wanted since school? Are there many ex-pilot controllers? (if yes, why the change?)Were you passionate about aviation, or was it something that just popped up?
For some reason I'm keen to know more about the type/background of the people that work in ATC.

Thanks in advance.

Well I grew up next to an airport,and my father was in the fire service there.From an early age I was always interested in planes,and then from about 17 on in ATC.Flying never entered into it,because I didn't have any money.
The job has been great,but some of the management types that are around spoil it however.Good luck and you appear very keen,which is a refreshing change from some,who think that no interest in aviation,and an interest in money is the way to go.:)

Complete fluke, see ad, apply knowing nothing, never look back.

The satisfaction that comes from working with Special Needs Adults (pilots).

I never wanted to be a professional pilot - loved home too much!! But I loved aeroplanes and still do..

I wanted to be a controller, preferable at London/Heathrow from age around 12... It was something that totally fascinated me. I collected various aviation charts, which were plastered on my bedroom wall and frequently visited London Airport. I was a cadet in the ATC from around that age and was a keen spotter. I also took the opportunity to visit control towers. First was at RAF Lyneham on an ATC camp but I later chatted up the staff at Battersea heliport and spent a most enjoyable couple of hours in the tower there while I was still a schoolboy. I was also very interested in radio communications and have been a shortwave listener and, subsequently, a licenced amateur for about 55 years.

Cutting short...... I spent my last 31 years working as a controller at Heathrow so I fulfilled my ambition and loved every minute of it.

Oi, Plazbot, I heard that....:hmm:

Having been asked to take up a "Radar herring" by one of your colleagues (people in glass houses and all that....) :cool:

It pays rather well.

I was hoping to go to sea with the Merchant Navy. My eyesight wasn`t up to Board of Trade requirements, so ATC it had to be.

I'm the same as Not Long Now. Saw the ad, got the job and enjoy it.

Girls, Cars and Money. Are there any better reasons?

Girls?? ...beware you don't fall foul of the Advertising Standards Act!

I grew up in an aviation background; father held a double commission (RAF and RHA), uncle was an RN carrier pilot, other uncle flew RAF bombers, brother in the RAF. Was a RAF section CCF cadet at school. First flew when I was 8 yrs old.
It seemed a natural progression.

best of luck:ok:

British Airways wouldn't let me fly their planes
Royal Air Force wouldn't let me fly their planes
So I joined ATC and told them where to go!

Went on ATC Camp to RAF Lindholme. Always wanted to be a pilot. Listened to an SRA whilst flying in a Varsity. Visited what was then called 'Humber Radar'(later to become Northern Radar, where I was posted for my Area Radar practical training) a Type 82 radar unit originally designed for 'spotting' targets for Bloodhound SAMs, but with the withdrawl of the Thor missiles which the Bloodhounds defended, the T82 was used for Air Traffic Control. Then we were 'given' free reign on a Link Trainer where I did a sort of SRA, and rather enjoyed it.
Fast forward a couple of years; when I failed OASC at Biggin Hill, I was asked what I would try, and I replied 'Air Traffic Control'. Hey presto!

Was an assistant in the RAF was told I wouldn't make it as a controller, so left and now hold a valid civil licence. The lifestyle is much better too!