In most countries it is extremely rare that an ATCO is fired, let alone resigns...

Do Not Go to Qatar
 

As this thread and subject possibly winds down I wanted to say great support from all on this matter. Of course why wouldn't there be as this is simply a case of a very pathetic employer in an extremely backwards country refusing to evolve unlike like most of the region. It and they believe they can use Western assistance without regard for accepted practises of humanity and professionalism. It simply believes it can throw money at any problem that arises including what surely will be a shortage of quality ATCO's given their past, present and future actions. The QCAA continues to taunt controllers to stay with a raise is around the corner and I am certain it will be at some point in an attempt to make amends for their disrespect of the profession.

While a few ATCO's will have very little choice but to enlist in this sub-standard environment due to experience, skill-set, employment history and/or a need to put food on their plate, please see this employer for what it is, a last resort, one that exploits Westerners and one that can't be trusted.

It has been mentioned a few times in this thread (including one who chose to remove their comments) no one is holding a gun to yours or my head, no one has to stay here and we are all free to make our own choices. The purpose of many of these comments on here were not made to be a rant or shot at any controller as was suggested by the removed ATCO but the main purpose (as far as my comments are concerned) are to inform fellow ATCO's in the profession of the true conditions at this contract. It is always difficult when considering a new employer and geographical location to get the real environment and of course you must get many perspectives as ones assessment can differ significantly from another. I have provided my assessment, others have as well. The choice is now yours.

Good luck to my fellow QCAA peers and to all ATCO's working the International circuit.

ATC alert

Succinct.

The Qataris are the Beverly Hillbillies of the Gulf.

:ok:

I'm still non the wiser?
"What is the ATCO supposed to have done to get him fired?"
Everybody is saying that ATCOs will stay away from Qatar because of this incident but why should they if they don't know what happened, if anything at all.

rennaps
There was a civilian flight from Lybia to Dubai World. The UAE refused to accept the aircraft and further advised Doha that the aircraft had a fuel emergency. Following this information the Doha duty controller got the necessary approval from Doha military to accept the aircraft and brought the aircraft into Hamad Int.

Rumour has it the prime minister was upset that the aircraft was approved, he threw a tantrum and demanded that someone be fired. Since you can’t fire a Qatari, they had to find an expat. At first they wanted to fire the whole ATC shift but this was reduced to just the Duty controller. N.B. This was in spite of the Doha Military giving approval for the flight.

Doha is a complete mess. No accountability, Qatari controllers are always late and often don’t show up for shifts without prior notice.

Dip Clearances are an ever present minefield for controllers in the Mid East. The exceptions to this are the sensible nations of UAE and Oman.

Cheers

To infinity and beyond and, hopefully, back in time for a pint of Theakstons' Old Peculier

Thanks V for the explanation

ATC Alert, yours sound like wise words