Thanks. One of my concerns about multiple validations of civil aerodromes is the difference in ATC operating procedures and definitions, e.g. "runway vacated", and misapplication.

Starlord, we do.

But what does it give me? How is it safer? A pair of aircraft heading away from me, I can't tell if they are getting closer to each other, I can't tell if they are getting further apart (until one of them turns). I get a better idea of that from my radar, with Mode S airspeed, groundspeed, Mode C altitude.

I look at them out of the window because I have to. I look at them on the radar to see their relative positions and speed, which surely is the safety critical thing.

That's what I mean by outdated.

RSVA developed as a concept when control towers had no surveillance capability.

A tower controller that looks out of the window, that is so last season!!!

Being an old fashioned, retired bod who reads about these "new innovations" with a fairly open mind, I'm having a little trouble seeing how the remote operation of LCY brings any benefits.

You still have to have a controller, presumably controlling, albeit now from a dark windowless room, (that should make up for all those brilliantly dazzling sunrises and sunsets) on the sunny south coast. Whilst up at LCY all the "skills" that were inherent in said controller now have to be supplemented by lots of CCTVs with infra-red capabilities or whatever and at what cost? Oh, did anyone mention cleaning said CCTV lenses when they fog up or get crap on them at just the wrong moment?

Not one to stand in the way of progress, but where is the cost saving, if this is what it's all about? Where's the job satisfaction? Sounds to me like another idea pinched from an under-utilised airport in Northern Norway that some poor misguided management "yoof" decided he would use to make his mark on his steady progression to the top.

Thankfully, I'm now well retired (not before time, I hear some shout) but I do miss those beautiful sunrises and sunsets and the bonhommie, not to mention the professional respect, engendered by a wave or thumbs up after a "greaser" or a well executed cross-wind landing at the limits, or that not so good bouncer.

I can't say I envy the "new" tower controllers at LCY Swanwick. They will miss out on what were some of the most enjoyable experiences of my time in ATC.

Think carefully about what you consider to be progress and be sure your UPS works!

I knew LCY controllers were good.....didn't realise they could see into the IR band though! :}

One thing that needs consideration, what to do about the 200' spiders that will crawl across the lens without warning?

Air knives!

Question was asked of Remote Tower salespeople at Amsterdam and Madrid exhibitions. You blow a constant stream of warm air across the face of the lens, thereby removing said spides and web.

HB

so now we need a hot air blower system (and backup) to all cameras, perhaps we could pipe it direct from head office - bound to never fail or run out that way!!!!

Makes me think that they're building this all on some very weak foundations... I fail to see, after much perusal, the benefits of the remote towers. I'm always open to new ideas or procedures, and am often one to 'go with the flow' as my other half says but I don't buy it. Recently on a visit to a unit on the other side of the country I saw the R-TWR in operation, only to see the derrière of a bird blocking one of the cameras!! Just another mantra adopted by a new hot-shot in HR if you ask me..

If control towers are 'a thing of the past', why have they put one on 'HMS Queen Elizabeth' then? Surely a digital VCR would would have the edge here?

Oh, and some planes would be handy, too. :E

No IR imagery - it was investigated but hot engine exhaust was found to look too much like fire, and aircraft parked on a cold apron left aircraft-shaped IR shadows after they taxied... So its visual imagery (via the cameras) supplemented by radar blocks etc, and all the other gizmos already available in a bricks-and-mortar tower.

http://bit.ly/2zrdVt6

NATS tied in for a decade at LCY.

Typical PR fluff but it says they ARE building a new tower after all, if so, why on Earth use digital tech on a level for which it was never intended?

I think that's a bit of an unfortunate wording.

From what I understand the new tower is not a control tower in the old fashioned sense, it is a tower to mount the cameras on. I would guess it has more in common with a phone mast or an electricity pylon than an old fashioned tower cab.

Agreed CV - I understand those doing the digital controlling will be based at Swanwick.

The blurb says: "...with significant benefits and efficiencies for the airport" I'd love to know what they are.

It means they can put more stands on the airport and make more money. I don't see much beyond that

There's talk now of 'band-boxing' 2 airfields using the same ATCO on a common frequency.

It's madness.

Well. that is what it really is all about. The last thing to exercise the minds of the people involved in these developments is ATC safety & integrity !

"Safety is our number one priority, certainly not shareholder's dividends !" said spokesperson Mr.Pinocchio ........