Courtesies
 

Has some instruction been issued for UK ATCOs not to say "Good Morning" or "Good Day" to pilots any longer?

Does it matter? :confused:

Erm, not really....

Not that I'm aware of. Maybe you've just run into all the grumpy ones lately.

Good Morning. Answering your question, not that I'm aware of. maybe we're just getting more grumpy with age?

Or maybe everywhere is just getting busier?

There are more and more trainee atco's and they are advised not to say good morning and good bye as it wastes thinking time. It's a bit petty I know, you have probably just been unlucky and flown through airspace with trainees in control

There is growing concern over RT loading, i.e. there is limited opportunity to get in on the RT, so dispensing with the pleasantries is small way of increasing available air time. Hence why new ATCO's are being taught not to use "Good day" etc.

But don't worry, we still love you guys!!!:ok:

The only written guidance I can recall seeing is in CAP 493 and CAP 413. Both state that "the excessive use of courtesies should be avoided". Certainly not a new ruling. I think most ATCOs and Pilots use their common sense, and keep things brief when the RTF workload and circumstances suggest it's appropriate.

Given the standard of some of our student ATCOs, you should consider not being wished a good morning to be the least of your worries.

At least they would get the courtesy right 50% of the time.;)

There is a time and a place for courtesies!

A good example of when not was last night at around 2030L on the Biggin sector (120.525) which was very busy - yikes :eek:

Granted it is a petty subject, and certainly one would not like to unduly increase one's workload, However it is quite disconcerting for your greeting not to be reciprocated and similarly to be sent off to the next sector with no salutation.

Courtesies are part of our ingrained etiquette, whether in person or over RTF. Should trainee ATCO's be being told not to greet their 'clients' than more and more the human factor in aviation is being lost.

UK is not the only busy airspace in Europe, but this trend seems to be taking root only here.

Over here we are having less and less folks having a good day...

Scott

You should have seen the radar picture!!

Probably would of scared myself! :}