Fighter Controller - advice please
Thread Starter
Fighter Controller - advice please
Dear All,
I am returning to the UK soon and I am seriously thinking about taking a shot at RAF Fighter Controller. I have got two questions that have fallen out of reading previous posts:
1. Whats the bobby on the aptitude tests at OASC? I get the impression that you need the proverbial brains-of-an-Archbishop! How achievable is it?
2. As a Fighter Controller how rewarding is the job, i.e. do you make a real difference in an operational sense or is it more of a glorified air-trafficer role?
I am not trying to offend anyone and I know some may scoff at the 'Aircrew' tag; please just give me some realistic advice, good or bad.
Thanks,
Flug
I am returning to the UK soon and I am seriously thinking about taking a shot at RAF Fighter Controller. I have got two questions that have fallen out of reading previous posts:
1. Whats the bobby on the aptitude tests at OASC? I get the impression that you need the proverbial brains-of-an-Archbishop! How achievable is it?
2. As a Fighter Controller how rewarding is the job, i.e. do you make a real difference in an operational sense or is it more of a glorified air-trafficer role?
I am not trying to offend anyone and I know some may scoff at the 'Aircrew' tag; please just give me some realistic advice, good or bad.
Thanks,
Flug
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Much as it pains me to say this, it's a hugely difficult job that can only be done by very bright individuals*. FCs have to have good situational awareness and the ability to think in 3D at supersonic speeds, they also have to be able to manage tactical assets in constantly changing situations. It’s harder (IMO) than being ATC -But I'm sure Sir Toppam and Spotter FC can go into intricate detail
It's no longer true to say they spend all their time in the UK in bunkers, the future is mobile, with 1ACC, E-3s and whatever sensors become available being sent off to wherever that week's hot-spot happens to be. The world will be your lobster
With the new UCMP consoles it's not even necessary to work in the dark anymore!
*doesn’t necessarily mean they have many social skills
It's no longer true to say they spend all their time in the UK in bunkers, the future is mobile, with 1ACC, E-3s and whatever sensors become available being sent off to wherever that week's hot-spot happens to be. The world will be your lobster
With the new UCMP consoles it's not even necessary to work in the dark anymore!
*doesn’t necessarily mean they have many social skills
Last edited by Maple 01; 20th Feb 2005 at 07:53.
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The morning glory on the aptitude tests is they are difficult but you can practice, go to any of the good book shops and look up the tests books there are loads. Get ones that are focussed on the ATC aptitude tests i.e. 3D awareness Command decision making and maths. Test yourself and push yourself, but the bottom line is it's easier if you have the aptitude. If you're serious go to a AFCO and ask they'll put you though the aptitude tests that they have and will then do all the rest to get you in if you have the test results to go for the aptitude tests.
One you pass then you have to do the Cranwitz time and show you can be an Officer. Post that you then go to SFC At RAF Boulmer and do the ADFC this decides using simulators if you'll e a systems or controller or go back to Cranwell.
Both sides of the job are interesting but for different reasons, the Control side is an adrenaline rush. The bigger the sortie the better! But you have to be able to control safely as well as tactically and that’s what stops most people going for Controller(WC). The Systems side is more technically orientated especially after your first tour as an Identification & Recognition Officer(IDRO). The trade comes back together at Sqn Ldr rank when you do your Master Controller ticket.
In between time you can go E3's Travel the world and normally stay in hotels, but more often live in tents or stay on base. Or go 1ACC where you'll definitely stay in tents but travel about the same. All through these tours you will still be an Officer responsible for a certain number of troops, their welfare discipline and career development.
As for is the job rewarding yes it is and if you put 100% into the job then it can become even more so. No you don't have to be a Spotter and know everything about aircraft, but you are expected to have a working knowledge of aircraft peformance and tactics.
Will the RAF ask you in with the urrent state of recruitment, probably as the branch is always short of WC's and IDRO. The rest is up to you.
One you pass then you have to do the Cranwitz time and show you can be an Officer. Post that you then go to SFC At RAF Boulmer and do the ADFC this decides using simulators if you'll e a systems or controller or go back to Cranwell.
Both sides of the job are interesting but for different reasons, the Control side is an adrenaline rush. The bigger the sortie the better! But you have to be able to control safely as well as tactically and that’s what stops most people going for Controller(WC). The Systems side is more technically orientated especially after your first tour as an Identification & Recognition Officer(IDRO). The trade comes back together at Sqn Ldr rank when you do your Master Controller ticket.
In between time you can go E3's Travel the world and normally stay in hotels, but more often live in tents or stay on base. Or go 1ACC where you'll definitely stay in tents but travel about the same. All through these tours you will still be an Officer responsible for a certain number of troops, their welfare discipline and career development.
As for is the job rewarding yes it is and if you put 100% into the job then it can become even more so. No you don't have to be a Spotter and know everything about aircraft, but you are expected to have a working knowledge of aircraft peformance and tactics.
Will the RAF ask you in with the urrent state of recruitment, probably as the branch is always short of WC's and IDRO. The rest is up to you.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
<<One you pass then you have to do the Cranwitz time and show you can be an Officer. Post that you then go to SFC At RAF Boulmer and do the ADFC this decides using simulators if you'll e a systems or controller or go back to Cranwell. >>
And this is the Beecher's Brook of the path to becoming an FC. OASC needs to get as many people with the basic aptitude to be both FC and an officer.
Cranditz makes sure they got it right and usually get the product squared away. It is the last hurdle at the School of FC that really tests your initial aptitude.
Do you know what is going on around you? Behind you? Do you have a single minded focus? If you said no, no, yes then you might struggle.
And this is the Beecher's Brook of the path to becoming an FC. OASC needs to get as many people with the basic aptitude to be both FC and an officer.
Cranditz makes sure they got it right and usually get the product squared away. It is the last hurdle at the School of FC that really tests your initial aptitude.
Do you know what is going on around you? Behind you? Do you have a single minded focus? If you said no, no, yes then you might struggle.
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Much as it pains me to say this, it's a hugely difficult job that can only be done by very bright individuals*
Much amusement!
There is little point in getting hung up on the inflated chop rate. An individual can either do the job or not; if so then crack on, and if not then find another job - there are plenty of opportunities out there!
The weapons control stream is one that requires an innate ability to think quickly in three dimensions that some people don't possess to the required degree. This is not to say that some people are beyond training as a WC, merely that they are unlikely to attain the required standard within the training time available - you could (probably) train (nearly) anyone to do the job if you had unlimited training time! WCs are, in some ways, over-trained for their war role and this is because of the flight safety requirements of peacetime flying; other nations train their controllers to a lesser degree.
The systems stream requires the ability to multi-task and think quickly in terms of prioritisation, but these skills can usually be trained to the required extent in the time available whereas the WC skills cannot. There is more big picture stuff - looking at a large chunk of UK (or other) airspace and manipulating air surveillance systems, with a great deal of responsibility after a few tours.
Back to the chop rate - the stories are inflated. In the past, the WC stream was seen as the most prestigious and exciting, and those that failed WC usually ended up as systems officers. The systems stream has a respectable pass rate and (IMHO) relatively few officers end up facing reselection. The branch has evolved since those days and weapons and systems are seen as different specialisations with their own characteristics, rather than as first and second choices.
The WC stream certainly provides more excitement on a day-to-day basis, but the systems stream provides more satisfaction in later tours, with more responsibility and more career options.
and this is because of the flight safety requirements of peacetime flying
Oops! This reads differently to the way I intended! I meant to say something along the lines of the difficulties in carrying out military training in an environment shared with civil aviation to the degree required by the CAA, not to imply that flight safety somehow goes out the window during war. It is, however, (IMHO) a simpler job when you are not having to arrange practice intercepts around civil aviation traffic!
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*Much as it pains me to say this, it's a hugely difficult job that can only be done by very bright individuals*
Utter bollox...............I passed all the aptitude tests at Biggin Hill for said role..............and I have the brains of a duck
......if I was considered capable then it can easily be mastered by any PG Tips advert "star"
all spelling mistakes are "df" alcohol induced
Utter bollox...............I passed all the aptitude tests at Biggin Hill for said role..............and I have the brains of a duck
......if I was considered capable then it can easily be mastered by any PG Tips advert "star" all spelling mistakes are "df" alcohol induced
Well, the top ATCOs at the Covert Oxonian Aerodrome are very glorious indeed!
Or did I mean to say 'glamorous'?
No matter - both adjectives are equally applicable!
As for FCs, life must be much better nowadays. No more living in dripping caverns in god-forsaken parts of the East Coast. Or keeping watch over dodgy rockets like Bloodhound 2 for those who were relegated to EC status.
But going round in circles for hours in the back of an old Boeing? Well, it could be worse. It might have been an ancient Comet......
Or did I mean to say 'glamorous'?
No matter - both adjectives are equally applicable!
As for FCs, life must be much better nowadays. No more living in dripping caverns in god-forsaken parts of the East Coast. Or keeping watch over dodgy rockets like Bloodhound 2 for those who were relegated to EC status.
But going round in circles for hours in the back of an old Boeing? Well, it could be worse. It might have been an ancient Comet......
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Kind words from BEagle
Steady on BEagle - are you feeling alright?
You've said something relativley kind about Brize Radar!!!????
Have you had a particularly good Sunday lunch today or is age starting to suddenly dull the edge of your normally sharp pen?
I think we should be told why you have had a sudden change of heart?
You've said something relativley kind about Brize Radar!!!????
Have you had a particularly good Sunday lunch today or is age starting to suddenly dull the edge of your normally sharp pen?
I think we should be told why you have had a sudden change of heart?
No sudden change of heart - just respect where it is due!
I am as prepared to comment favourably on ATCOs who provide an excellent, friendly and flexible service as I am to comment adversely on those who are at the other end of the spectrum....
No lunch - din-dins is almost ready though! Rare roast beef....
I am as prepared to comment favourably on ATCOs who provide an excellent, friendly and flexible service as I am to comment adversely on those who are at the other end of the spectrum....
No lunch - din-dins is almost ready though! Rare roast beef....
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And having had several hundred people like ABIW thru the doors of the SFC you wonder why the chop rate is so high? You give yourself away with the Biggin Hill quote. The aptitudes for ATC and FC are similar and the entire battery was redesigned extensively in the mid-late 90s because it was widely recognised that the aptitudes were in fact boll*x!
General aptitude under a testing regime is one thing - actually doing the job is quite another.
Keeping the jets apart is easy. Getting them together is easy. Keeping 3 or 4 jets away from joe public airlines and STILL getting them together - that's the hard part (and also why I went systems!)
General aptitude under a testing regime is one thing - actually doing the job is quite another.
Keeping the jets apart is easy. Getting them together is easy. Keeping 3 or 4 jets away from joe public airlines and STILL getting them together - that's the hard part (and also why I went systems!)
Thread Starter
Thanks guys!
Thats just the type of response I was hoping for and it does sound like an interesting and exacting job with a chance to fly (and with a real contribution to flight ops).
Strangely enough I am at present working as a helo pilot in the US, often flying in the Washington DC ADIZ so I am used to that busy controlled environment. I hadn't thought about the supersonic+ closing speeds of the mil hardware though.... I guess it could get real complicated, real fast..
I am going to contact the RAF AFCO and see if I can get the ball rolling - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Thanks again,
Flug
Thats just the type of response I was hoping for and it does sound like an interesting and exacting job with a chance to fly (and with a real contribution to flight ops).
Strangely enough I am at present working as a helo pilot in the US, often flying in the Washington DC ADIZ so I am used to that busy controlled environment. I hadn't thought about the supersonic+ closing speeds of the mil hardware though.... I guess it could get real complicated, real fast..
I am going to contact the RAF AFCO and see if I can get the ball rolling - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Thanks again,
Flug
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Flugplatz, I am guessing a bit here but your RW experience may well be an asset in the back of the flying mushroom. The hecopleter is not easy to track when it is flying nap of the earth - both speed and terrain make this difficult. Knowledge of what Biggles is doing can be a big asset when trying to anticipate what he is going to do.
Anyway they would rather have someone who wants to do the job than someone who is pursuaded to do the job just because they have the aptitude. You might even get a bit more sympathy too.
Good luck.
Anyway they would rather have someone who wants to do the job than someone who is pursuaded to do the job just because they have the aptitude. You might even get a bit more sympathy too.
Good luck.
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FlugPlatz
A chap can do a lot worse than become an FC. If you have the time & money, it would be a good idea for you to arrange a 'Realistic Job Preview' through a careers office, which would give you the opportunity to visit Boulmer and talk to FCs of both specialisations and see what they do - without commitment. A bit tricky from your side of the pond, though.
In your first post, you mentioned aircrew. Don't be fooled by the fact that many of the Sentry's mission crew are FCs - that doesn't make us an aircrew branch. Mission crew FCs get to wear and keep their FC brevets (quite rightly), but the rest of us wear the same disitinctive badge as Scribblies, Stackers, Air Tragic, the Ginger Beers and so on - ie, none.
Don't bank on getting onto the jet - there's a lot of competition, not only from FCs but from aircrew mates whose fleets are being drawn down. If you decide to join us, you need to be prepared for a life on the ground (if not under it!)
Good Luck.
A chap can do a lot worse than become an FC. If you have the time & money, it would be a good idea for you to arrange a 'Realistic Job Preview' through a careers office, which would give you the opportunity to visit Boulmer and talk to FCs of both specialisations and see what they do - without commitment. A bit tricky from your side of the pond, though.
In your first post, you mentioned aircrew. Don't be fooled by the fact that many of the Sentry's mission crew are FCs - that doesn't make us an aircrew branch. Mission crew FCs get to wear and keep their FC brevets (quite rightly), but the rest of us wear the same disitinctive badge as Scribblies, Stackers, Air Tragic, the Ginger Beers and so on - ie, none.
Don't bank on getting onto the jet - there's a lot of competition, not only from FCs but from aircrew mates whose fleets are being drawn down. If you decide to join us, you need to be prepared for a life on the ground (if not under it!)
Good Luck.
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(BM - you beat me to it - at least we're singing from the same hymnsheet!)
Flugplatz
Sorry got distracted by ABIW (as usual) so forgot the advice.
By all means get in touch with the AFCO, but make sure you insist on a Realistic Job Preview Visit. This won't get you onto the Jet or a visit to 1 ACC (unfortunately they've now moved), but will get you up to the School of Fighter Control at Boulmer, into the last remaining bunker (hopefully to disappear soonish - but you'll end up there or somewhere like it above ground for at least 1 tour) and into the Officers' Mess Bar. The latter place is probably where you will get the most info.
Don't let the AFCO put you off this visit - half the time they don't even know they exist!
Wholeheartedly agree that we'd far rather have someone that wants to do the job than soneone 'tricked' into it with the old excuse that you can re-branch at Cranwell - not a hope - and who then spends 10 years whinging about it. Still, although we're still getting people onto the Jet, it is by no means a forgone conclusion - especially with the imminentish demise of the F3 fleet and the consequent glut of unemployed WSOs. If you come into the Branch expecting a Jet slot as of right you may well be disappointed.
If you get the visit up north then I'd suggest dropping SirTopphamHat a PM prior to the visit.
Flugplatz
Sorry got distracted by ABIW (as usual) so forgot the advice.
By all means get in touch with the AFCO, but make sure you insist on a Realistic Job Preview Visit. This won't get you onto the Jet or a visit to 1 ACC (unfortunately they've now moved), but will get you up to the School of Fighter Control at Boulmer, into the last remaining bunker (hopefully to disappear soonish - but you'll end up there or somewhere like it above ground for at least 1 tour) and into the Officers' Mess Bar. The latter place is probably where you will get the most info.
Don't let the AFCO put you off this visit - half the time they don't even know they exist!
Wholeheartedly agree that we'd far rather have someone that wants to do the job than soneone 'tricked' into it with the old excuse that you can re-branch at Cranwell - not a hope - and who then spends 10 years whinging about it. Still, although we're still getting people onto the Jet, it is by no means a forgone conclusion - especially with the imminentish demise of the F3 fleet and the consequent glut of unemployed WSOs. If you come into the Branch expecting a Jet slot as of right you may well be disappointed.
If you get the visit up north then I'd suggest dropping SirTopphamHat a PM prior to the visit.
Thread Starter
I am learning a whole lot here since the RAF Careers website doesn't seem to have too much on the FC role (no detailed info on FC training/postings/timescales, or that it is possible to do these preview visits). I think that a visit would be well worth while and I will push for that at the Careers Office - at least I can afford to buy a round of drinks on the visit to the mess! (I hope that isn't why these visits are encouraged? 
)
So the advice appears to be: Well worth it if you have the aptitude and motivation; and regard a seat on the E-3 as a bonus rather than a right. Better to push for FC from the outset and make it clear that it is not a second choice.
I intend to keep on flying choppers, probably instructing on weekends, so the 'flying bug' will get regular nourishment even if I am incarcerated in a bunker.
Final question: what is 1ACC?
Flug
)So the advice appears to be: Well worth it if you have the aptitude and motivation; and regard a seat on the E-3 as a bonus rather than a right. Better to push for FC from the outset and make it clear that it is not a second choice.
I intend to keep on flying choppers, probably instructing on weekends, so the 'flying bug' will get regular nourishment even if I am incarcerated in a bunker.
Final question: what is 1ACC?
Flug
Last edited by Flugplatz; 21st Feb 2005 at 00:55.
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1 Air Control Centre
http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/other.html
http://www.ueccs.co.uk/systems/adsi/
Mobile radar, as I'm a bit out of the loop theses days I'd check but think its in the process of moving to Scampton
Its a bit more 'combat ready' (or so they like to think!) being on short notice to buzz into trouble-spots around the world. They spent the last Gulf unpleasantness in Tallil, Iraq. By all accounts they did a good job of airspace control and co-ordination - if you enjoy the outdoor rugged life its for you - doesn’t make for a smooth home life though
A short film was made a few years ago which the CIO or AFCO should be able to get hold of.
I'm told its the future of the branch......
http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/other.html
http://www.ueccs.co.uk/systems/adsi/
Mobile radar, as I'm a bit out of the loop theses days I'd check but think its in the process of moving to Scampton
Its a bit more 'combat ready' (or so they like to think!) being on short notice to buzz into trouble-spots around the world. They spent the last Gulf unpleasantness in Tallil, Iraq. By all accounts they did a good job of airspace control and co-ordination - if you enjoy the outdoor rugged life its for you - doesn’t make for a smooth home life though
A short film was made a few years ago which the CIO or AFCO should be able to get hold of.
I'm told its the future of the branch......
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My goodness, someone asked about FC and got some useful and honest replies based on actual experience of the job!! The Thread didn't deteriorate into the usual slanging match (despite ABIW's best efforts! )
SpotterFC and the others have given good advice, and I would reinforce that the 'chop-rate' is not what it once was. On my course, only one qualified as a controller out of the 10 that started on the ADFC (thanks mostly to the efforts of Trev C, Bob D and Jackie C), so that was seen as a 90% 'chop-rate' - no mention was made of the 4 guys who went on to be good systems officers, and most of those would have got another crack at controller if they'd wanted it.
Times have changed. In the mid-late 80s (before I joined), the 'pass rate' was low. The thing that bothered me was that I really did not want to go systems, ESPECIALLY after I had had a go at it on the ADFC! BUT, plenty of people do enjoy it.
A few other things you may want to consider:
Working in a bunker is no big deal, in fact it's quite pleasant now that we have the new kit.
No 1 ACC is currently based at Kirton-in-Lindsey (AKA Royston Vasey!), but is expected to move to Scampton in due course. They have very capable kit now, but they also deploy a lot. Not for everyone, and no direct entry. You need to be 'Combat Ready' in your specialisation to go there, and like wearing DPM!
The Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) is at Boulmer with a separate Temporary CRC (T-CRC AKA ABACUS) above ground there to provide additional control positions and a fallback facility. Later this year, the T-CRC will close, with a new CRC opening above ground at Scampton. Eventually (c.2012) the CRC at Boulmer will close, but beyond that it is difficult to be precise. Most people have wanted to see controllers operate more closely with fighter sqns, and it is possible that a CRC could open at Coningsby, or perhaps we will all have individual workstations in the WOCs - technology will drive much if this IMHO.
E-3D slots for WCs may be more difficult to come by with WSOs coming off the F3 and GR fleets. ABSOLUTELY NO GUARANTEE OF A SLOT ON THE JET, but most of those that get it seem to find ways of staying there ad infinitum.
I don't think anyone has yet mentioned 'Space'. Fylingdales is also manned by FCs, and many of those in the know see this as a huge requirement in the future. Although I have visited a few times, I couldn't comment much on the job, quality of life etc, perhaps someone else out there might? I have to say it all seemed pretty boring to me, but each to their own ... what do I know? However, like 1 ACC and the E-3D, Fylingdales is not somewhere you can get to as an FC without first qualifying as a systems officer - there is no ab initio route.
There also seems to be a ready market for FCs in all sorts of ops roles within CAOCs, JFAC HQs and the like - battlespace management goes along with the territory I suppose.
By all means look at Flight Ops, but not before FC and ATC.
FC v ATC. BANTER OFF! If you start as an FC and can't control, you will probably be sent Surveillance - I would have hated this. You can fail FC and go ATC, but I don't know anyone that has gone in the other direction until thay have qualified as an ATCO. My honest advice would be to look at both before making your mind up. ATC also offers a massively better spread of postings taking into account Airfield ATC.
Looking beyond your RAF career, Civvie ATC is open to Mil ATC and FC alike (including Surveillance!!!) beyond the normal age limit. Both specialisations are seen as good bets for CATCS.
If you want to PM me with specific questions please do. Push for an RJP, but DON'T JUST STAND WITH THE OTHER RJP VISITORS GETTING PI@@ED - TALK TO THE OTHERS IN THE BAR AND FIND OUT WHAT THEY THINK (AND STILL GET PI@@ED)!
Whatever you decide, good luck!
(Edited to make a bit more sense and include a minor dig at Flight Ops!)
)SpotterFC and the others have given good advice, and I would reinforce that the 'chop-rate' is not what it once was. On my course, only one qualified as a controller out of the 10 that started on the ADFC (thanks mostly to the efforts of Trev C, Bob D and Jackie C), so that was seen as a 90% 'chop-rate' - no mention was made of the 4 guys who went on to be good systems officers, and most of those would have got another crack at controller if they'd wanted it.
Times have changed. In the mid-late 80s (before I joined), the 'pass rate' was low. The thing that bothered me was that I really did not want to go systems, ESPECIALLY after I had had a go at it on the ADFC! BUT, plenty of people do enjoy it.
A few other things you may want to consider:
Working in a bunker is no big deal, in fact it's quite pleasant now that we have the new kit.
No 1 ACC is currently based at Kirton-in-Lindsey (AKA Royston Vasey!), but is expected to move to Scampton in due course. They have very capable kit now, but they also deploy a lot. Not for everyone, and no direct entry. You need to be 'Combat Ready' in your specialisation to go there, and like wearing DPM!
The Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) is at Boulmer with a separate Temporary CRC (T-CRC AKA ABACUS) above ground there to provide additional control positions and a fallback facility. Later this year, the T-CRC will close, with a new CRC opening above ground at Scampton. Eventually (c.2012) the CRC at Boulmer will close, but beyond that it is difficult to be precise. Most people have wanted to see controllers operate more closely with fighter sqns, and it is possible that a CRC could open at Coningsby, or perhaps we will all have individual workstations in the WOCs - technology will drive much if this IMHO.
E-3D slots for WCs may be more difficult to come by with WSOs coming off the F3 and GR fleets. ABSOLUTELY NO GUARANTEE OF A SLOT ON THE JET, but most of those that get it seem to find ways of staying there ad infinitum.
I don't think anyone has yet mentioned 'Space'. Fylingdales is also manned by FCs, and many of those in the know see this as a huge requirement in the future. Although I have visited a few times, I couldn't comment much on the job, quality of life etc, perhaps someone else out there might? I have to say it all seemed pretty boring to me, but each to their own ... what do I know? However, like 1 ACC and the E-3D, Fylingdales is not somewhere you can get to as an FC without first qualifying as a systems officer - there is no ab initio route.
There also seems to be a ready market for FCs in all sorts of ops roles within CAOCs, JFAC HQs and the like - battlespace management goes along with the territory I suppose.
By all means look at Flight Ops, but not before FC and ATC.
FC v ATC. BANTER OFF! If you start as an FC and can't control, you will probably be sent Surveillance - I would have hated this. You can fail FC and go ATC, but I don't know anyone that has gone in the other direction until thay have qualified as an ATCO. My honest advice would be to look at both before making your mind up. ATC also offers a massively better spread of postings taking into account Airfield ATC.
Looking beyond your RAF career, Civvie ATC is open to Mil ATC and FC alike (including Surveillance!!!) beyond the normal age limit. Both specialisations are seen as good bets for CATCS.
If you want to PM me with specific questions please do. Push for an RJP, but DON'T JUST STAND WITH THE OTHER RJP VISITORS GETTING PI@@ED - TALK TO THE OTHERS IN THE BAR AND FIND OUT WHAT THEY THINK (AND STILL GET PI@@ED)!
Whatever you decide, good luck!
(Edited to make a bit more sense and include a minor dig at Flight Ops!)
Last edited by SirToppamHat; 21st Feb 2005 at 20:00.