PPRuNe Forums - So is it worth training to be an ATC?

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alfaman, my remark re validating was tongue in cheek of course - like you I get p1ssed-off with people who seem to think the only folk who should apply for jobs in aviation are from the spotting fraternity. My No2 son had never shown any interest in aviation, but has now been valid at TC for nigh-on 20 years including being an OJTI,LCE etc - in fact one of his mentors described him as the best trainee they'd ever had. I've still never seen him read an aviation mag' or book.

In days of yore when one was posted to an Aerodrome there wasn’t much likelihood of being forcibly relocated to another unit - it would generally be about when/if you wanted to move on.
With the advent of digital/remote towers the prospect of “being moved on” becomes increasingly significant until the point is reached of Remote Tower Centres. HIAL are effectively pioneering this trend in the UK - I’d, personally, be surprised if NATS don’t also go down this route. Some airports will no doubt choose to keep their ATC staff nearby, others will see the benefit of relocating to an RTC. Swings/Roundabouts.

Alfaman does that mean Farnborough is fully staffed or is there some other reason people are not getting posted there?
Rgds
AyrTC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian 48nav (Post 10190779)

Ah, fair enough, got you now, apologies - I suspect I've met him on my travels then, in one way or another, :). I can think of a couple who might match that description - & I guess MATS Pt1/2 are not really aviation books... ;)

For AyrTC; They may have taken one from the last Global drop, can't recall; they have a couple of ROVIs from the CTC, who are supposedly above the compliment, so it's possible they're OK for now, but it's a fluid situation. I think I recall an external advert specifically for Farnborough a couple of months back, too, think a couple applied for that. Their validation mix is pretty good, I think, which gives them some flexibility others don't have. I know of at least one holding Trainee who would love to find themselves there, but we know how that works...

Thanks for that Alfaman.
Rgds
AyrTC

No, Farnborough are not up to numbers, and the ROVIs, while better than nothing, are not that useful because of the way the rostered days at Farnborough are allocated. Part-valid controllers also have to be considered.

Obviously, this is not a comment on the individuals involved, who are all lovely!

To determine staffing levels, there are often stories behind the headline figures.

Gonzo,

Please could you explain the term 'ROVI' to a retired oldie, who is out of touch?

Speke, I can’t remember what it stands for off the top of my head, but it refers to instructors at the college who keep validations at home units and so do a few days a month controlling.

Retained Operational Validation Instructor?

OK thanks Gonzo :ok:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo (Post 10191282)

Farnborough have been short of staff for nearly 10 years now; they are constantly having to bandbox Approach with LARS West and quoting 'staff shortages' as the reason.
They were brought up to strength when 'London LARS' was introduced with 2 extra control positions and then after about a year, postings, RTUs of 'temporary' staff and retirements weren't always replaced, however they did get some posted in who had originally been 'streamed' on Area Radar and had failed to achieve C of C so rather than 'waste' their training, NATS HR posted them to an airfield.