area or tower?
 

i have yet to start my tatc course with nats and i was wondering what is generally thought to be the more interesting, area or tower control?

When you say the "to be the more interesting, area or tower control?" do you mean the job or the people.

I will let you make your own mind up based on Gonzo's "sharp end" comment!! :)

Am I right in thinking that a few weeks in, you get to say a preference for one or the other but not always likely to get it, especially if aerodrome?

Out of interest, how is it decided?

Captain Spunkfarter and his wannabe slave (shall we call him "Gonzo") come to the college and hand pick the best of the best (It's just like Top Gun!)

If you are REALLY, REALLY lucky you get to avoid LHR! :ok:

You're holding on too tight Gonzo - time to let go.

Hmmm... In my opinion, you shouldnt ask that question! Well, let me clarify... you should phrase it differently! Why?

Mainly, because people will give you different views about what they do, especially as a lot of people these days are single skilled in terms of their everyday job. Ive spoken to many radar controllers who love radar and cant stand the thought of tower. :confused:
Now me... I love working in a tower and I have no urge to work radar. I love looking out the window, seeing trees, the sun, the rain, the clouds, building CBs, sunsets and sunrise (Which makes morning shifts worthwhile!) and most importantly, the amazing feat which is man-made aircraft flying!! It always amazes me!:)
But my point is that whoever you ask can argue the point for what they like, but its your decision!! :cool:

Oh, and to further add to the case Gonzo vs. AlanM, I think that not being selected for LL was one of the best things that happened to me. Seriously. :)

But I wouldnt want to lob a rather large cat into a small bag of birds now...




And again, for the benefit of the initial question asker and anyone else choosing places to work, thats individual choice!! :)

Then stop grooming wannabee's.... wannabe boy!! :)

Nothing to be jealous about, tower only chap. Get some A380s movements in the log and I will be impressed!!! :)

I see, thanks.
Maybe one of these days I will actually meet you, bloke with the cigar, right?

I prefer the term observing, sir.


BTW you're left lace is undone:ooh:

Good heavens G - are you confusing mince pie with "mince by"??

Very difficult question to answer and a very dangerous question to ask, it can open up the "us and them" can. I'd probably say that if you are undecided or don't really have a preference then just go with whatever you get and you'll probably really enjoy it. Personally I went in thinking I'd love to sit in a tower staring out watching the birds get airborne and fly away, I had great fun doing the Aerodrome course, still remember all the great times I had on my 6 weeks training I did at Gatwick, am always up for a visit into a tower where ever it may be, and will sit at an airport waiting to go away and watch the movements for a while. However you'll have to fight hard to get my radar ticket changed over to tower. The thrill of moving aircraft all over the sky and making them miss while they climb out or descend in, or being the first to help when they REALLY need it, can give you such a buzz when you walk away knowing what you have just managed to do. Every seat in every ATC position be it Area, Approach or Tower has the ability to provide that so I wouldn't worry too much about what you would prefer to do, just go and enjoy what you actually get.

cheers guys, i visited atlantic house at prestwick and was fascinated by what went on there, on the other hand working at an airport and seeing aircraft that you have just communicated with coming into land really appeals to me.. so i ll probly just go for the old toss of the coin and hope for the best

cheers