Don't forget the military ATCOs are unable to join a union and it is certainly the case that GATCO offers some great benefits and professional backing that most mil ATCOs (and Fighter Controllers) are glad to have in their back pocket. I think that GATCO must therefore be the only ATCOs organisation that truly represents ATC UK-wide.

Also, I have done some work alongside GATCO in the past by way of promoting flight safety and education amongst the GA community. They were thoroughly supportive of the aims and lent their weight to the events.

I've been a member of other professional bodies in both Science and Management; GATCO is run on a voluntary basis by ATCOs for ATCOs and gives me much more for my money.

SID:ok:

Was I dreaming or did GATCO fight for a Military ATCO many years ago who had been (wrongly) blamed for an accident which led to the death of a flight crew (possibly in Scotland) but, GATCO got involved in some way, shape or form which led to the ATCO being cleared of all wrong doing.

As I say, I may have dreamt all this but I'm fairy certain someone at the college (ex-mil) told me the story.

Anyone know if it is true or not?

You are correct. GATCO assisted a military member known as 'spot' (IIRC!). It was in connection with a fatal CFIT incident involving 2 USAF F-15's (again, if the grey matter serves me correctly).
There was a huge thread on here at the time. GATCO provided support to the individual and I believe this was hugely appreciated.

Edit:- found one of the threads here

Spamcan

It seems to be a common perception that GATCO is trying to compete with the union. The way I see it, and Ive stated this in the last page, is that prospect will negotiate T's and C's and provide some legal representation. They do not have any remit to promote the professional aspects of being an ATCO.
GATCO is a completely different entity and exists to directly represent and promote the Air Traffic profession in the UK.

Spamcan

Spamcan defender, would you be the guy from Swanwick in the latest "Readability 5" who is now in charge of recruiting new members, can't remember the name, should have kept the magazine!

Just wondering!

:E

GATCO members sit on various CAA Working groups as well as IFATCA Committees, the UK Operations Working Group and the UK Phraseology Working Group are two, plus CHIRP have a nominated GATCO member to consult on ATC matters.

Spitoon - Without a doubt, the old guard of GATCO did manage to do some damage with it's PR amongst certain quarters. It did, im sure, appear to be an old gentleman's club with its own secret handshake :). There is a totally different set of personalities at the forefront now.... down to earth, engaging, and most are valid ATCOs in it for no other reason than to represent the controller's interests and be a voice.

I know a few of the guys actually doing the work at my unit and theres no hint of 'old boys club' about them at all!! Even bumped into Steve Brindley (the current President, I believe?) at Swanwick and he seems like a really decent bloke.

Posted this thread up for no other reason than to see why folks wouldn't be members....The catalyst was the other month when I had union mag and GATCO mag arrive within days of each other. 1 went straight in the bin, the other was read (and enjoyed!). I get that not everyones interested but after seeking out and talking to my unit rep, I was really struck by what the Guild ACTUALLY does and how they influence policy in Europe etc


Kind of made me proud to be a member TBH...



Spamcan

Precisely the reason I refused to join.

Never really fancied it back in '85. They sounded like a bunch of pompous asses....things may well have changed,but back in the day...no thanks.

Spamcan, I offered my experience simply as an explanation for voting no, and because you asked an interesting question which I thought deserved a bit more detail.

I tried to be fair - and I recognise that things can change a lot in 20 years. I've seen suggestions that the Guild is involved in contributing professionally these days but, if I'm honest, I saw little evidence of this when I mixed is such circles a few years ago. It's a shame really because, although I try to stay open-minded, my earlier experience still comes to mind after all this time.

No, I totally understand your POV...:ok:

Its kind of hard to change initial perceptions. I was a bit ambivalent myself but a chance encounter with the local rep had me swayed firmly in favour of staying a member. I suppose the Guild has its work cut out tring to get folks like yourself to get past the perceptions of days-gone-by.

Spamcan

One thing to be considered,if selfishly....retired member travel with GATCO.Not sure how it is these days but used to offer a fair bit more than UKATTS.

£7 a month may seem a small amount for tax purposes but .....

You can claim back up to 5 years in arrears, so for higher rate tax payers that is 40% of £84 =(£33.60) per year - that makes £168. If anyone doesn't want £168 then please send cheques in my direction :)

Not widely known is GATCOs assistance, many years ago, to a Rumanian Controller. A BA pilot contacted GATCO London Region and told them about a Rumanian ATCO who was ill with what had been diagnosed as calcification of the brain. As this was before Rumainia became part of the EU, little in the way of medical care was available, so GATCO got (I think) Turkish Airlines to fly him to London and arranged for him to see a specialist. The specialist found he had epilepsy. GATCO arranged for him to be supplied with several months worth of drugs to combat this.
While he was here, he proudly bought himself a new tie, something which was impossible for him in Rumania as it would have cost him a month's salary!

GATCO Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers. Question to one of the posts, why do not ATCO's take priority if the purpose of the guild is for ATCO's? I think the guild do a good job however sometimes like anything concerned with atc professionals versus the pencil grinders it's pissing into the wind.

Long term member
 

Been a member since 1995 initially through the RAF as full time and now since I became a FISO as an associate memebr at £5per month. Have used travel perks a couple of times. The fact that they provide legal backing is a plus, a co-controller in RAF used this facilty to his advantage many years ago - but probably wouldn't have benn able to afford it with the membership.

So yes I woould recommend joining, you can offset against income tax as membership of a professional body.

Got to love the union...
Dry powder, get promoted.

Which union, which company? And what do they have to do with GATCO?

Thinking of joining GATCO. I will be leaving the union after this latest pay and pension debacle.

Very tired of being lied to by both the union and management. The Guild will provide me with any professional help I may require in the future, and it will be nice to be a member of professional body which actually cares about the job of controlling.

Anyone else thinking of doing the same.

yep,

was chatting to my wm this morning about benefits etc

Member of both at the minute. Will likely drop the union after the pay and pensions debate