Terminal is the top job I agree. Also worth noting that Approach for the main UK airports is integrated into TC in the UK. But just so you are clear
Terminal control IS "Area" control.


No, but it works on taxiways,aprons even runways. It doesn't work anywhere in an airspace sector.

Beejam - outside the UK, Terminal is most certainly NOT Area control!!!

I suppose someone had better tell Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen that they are NOT major airports according to Beejam, but Luton and London City are...

AREA = Butchery.
APPROACH = Surgery.



Edited by the Mod

Edited by the Mod

To the original qustion and sensible posters however...as for area/approach, its horses for courses...personally, sitting in a artificially lit room staring at a screen all day doesn't appeal. Certainly wouldn't say that tower is by far and away easier, although the next time i've got 4 aircraft heading towards each other on the ground i'll remember to just use vertical separation...oh...hold on...:}

FB:ok:

t
 

Doesn't take long for someone to start the personal attacks on this board does it ?? They're not welcome and are not seen as 'friendly banter' by PPRuNe.

They END here. Anyone wishing to make them in the future has only themselves to blame for any action taken against them.

I can only comment from a military point of view but area would win it every time.

Yes it is great fun to run a busy radar pattern or control in the VCR but personally I think that the area radar task gives you a much better perspective of air traffic control and is, as has been said before, much more rewarding.

However, which ever way you end up going, one thing is for sure. You will enjoy your career. Good luck

Ok, thanks everyone for the (mostly) useful replies, definitely given me something to think about.

Whats the pay diffrence between an Area controller and an aerodrome?

Also is 'area controller' the same as 'approaching controller'?
I dont recall seeing area controller in the S1 motivation paper.

Also I've noticed no one meantioned 'ground movement controller'.. any reasons why?

GhostUK,

Ground Movement Control is one aspect of Aerodrome control. at a quiet airport you might have one ATCO working. S/he is actually doing Ground Movement Planning, and Ground Movement Control, and Air Control.

At Heathrow, we are so busy we have to separate those jobs out, so we have one Ground Movement Planner ATCO, three Ground Movement Control ATCOs, and two Air ATCOs.

Some Approach Controllers work at Swanwick in London Terminal Control, others work at the airports they serve (Birmingham, East Mids, Glasgow etc).

At Heathrow Tower, we earn roughly the same as ATCOs at Swanwick, and all NATS' airports are banded for pay, so that Gatwick earns less than Heathrow, etc etc.

ARRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!! It's the return of the big ATC Pay Comparison debate!

Errrr, no it's not.:ugh:

thanks gonzo

There you go GhostUK, once you finish your Dispensing Optician job and join NATS, you can then make your ambition to be a Ground Movement Controller sitting along side Gonzo in Heathrow Tower. Best of luck mate.:ok:

The ignore list grows.

:rolleyes:

Gonzo. Your a man (I presume?) with great wit and also I'm sorry to say, no life.;)

One thing to bear in mind in the Aerodrome/Area argument is the mobile contract you sign when you join the company....

You sign up for area then you know there are two sites your career is likely to end up at; and also whichever posting you get, there will be people from the college that get posted there with you.

Aerodrome is a different ballgame. Its NSL business need, and there are a lot of aerodromes you could end up at. Where you are from; or even where you want to be have little influence at the end of the day. And there's a big chance you will be posted on your own.

When applying it is normal to take the mindset that you don't care where you go. But posting day, especially for aerodrome candidates, can be an interesting time. Mobile contract means mobile....