Can anyone help with an ATC contact?
 

Hi everyone,
Just wondering if anyone would be able to help me out with some contact details of any current Air Traffic Controllers?

Hopefully there are some ATCs' who look at these pages that could contact me via pm. If not, would any of you guys/ girls know any ATCs' who might be happy to contact me via email??

My reason for asking is that I'd like to talk to someone in regards to the application process for ab-initio ATC entry with Airservices Australia, and also about the job in general (ie: Career progression, upsides, downsides etc).

I've devoted a lot of time and money towards trying to build a career in flying- and I've now got to that crossroad where I have to either make it happen or seriously consider doing something else. If I'm not going to fly for a living, then my next choice is to work in ATC. Then I'll be able to work in the Aviation Industry AND have the income to fly for pleasure.

As some of you may know, I converted my Aussie CPL to a UK JAR frozen ATPL, and have been living in the UK for almost two years trying to get a break. No luck as yet.

Both of us (my Wife and I) have made some pretty big personal and financial sacrifices to get to this point- and at the same time we've put many parts of our lives on hold. Also, to be brutally honest, I really don't like living in the UK.

We've both come to the decision that this can only go on for another year. If it hasn't worked by Sept/ Oct next year, we're packing it in and coming home to Melbourne. At 31 and 300hrs TT with an Oz CPL and a UK frozen ATPL, I realise that there is no hope of me succeeding with QF or DJ. I'm also not going to be in a position where I can fly singles in Kunnas/ Halls Creek for 20 something grand a year.

This is why I'm considering alternatives now. I'm looking to glean as much info as I can from current ATCs so that I can make an informed decision on a possible new career path.

If any of you guys or girls can help, I'd really appreciate it.
Should any of your ATC friends be willing to contact me, please pm me and I'll supply an email address here in the UK.

Many thanks for your help in advance,
Gearup.

(PS: The best advice that I can give a young Wannabee is to develop an alternative plan should flying not work out).

post your question in the Civil Air forum .. there's a whole discussion thread on ATC recruitment which may answer some of the questions.

http://www.civilair.asn.au/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl

Geardood,

Check pms,

Cheers.

I came to the same point some 20 years ago and joined the RAAF an Air Traffic Controller as AsA were not recruiting at the time.

I enjoyed every minute of it, however, be prepared for a lack of stability due to regular postings with the RAAF.

Because of the skills, experience and qualifications I gained through the RAAF I am now in a senior management position in a large government organisation.

AsA and the RAAF are both good employers and suit different people at different times of their lives. By the sounds of it AsA may suit your circumstances better.

All the best in whatever you do.

ATC help.
 

Hi guys,
Many thanks for your help, it is much appreciated.

Duff Man-
Many thanks for providing that link. It answered quite a few of my questions.

En-Rooter-
Nice to hear from you. Please check your PMs'.

q1w2e3-
I'm going to apply for Airservices Australia first, and hopefully get in. If I don't though, I will apply for the RAAF/ ADF.

In further developments, I'm applying for a position at Manchester Airport as an Air Traffic Control Assistant. I'll probably get about 18 months' experience doing this before coming home and applying with Airservices Australia (assuming I'm successful of course)!

In addition to the above, I've also worked in Airline Ops as an Assistant here in the UK. Part of that included lodging flight plans with Eurocontrol and producing plogs for Pilots to use on new Company Routes in European Operations.

I'm really hoping that all this experience will add up to a very competitive initial application with Airservices Australia!

Thanks all,
Gearup.

Just for you information (recently in the NT paper):

A PILOT CAN ONLY LAND ONE AIRCRAFT. YOU'LL LAND THOUSANDS.
Could you assume control of any number of different aircraft at the same time? Helicopters. Fighter Jets. Transport Aircraft. It's the challenge you face everyday as an Air Force Air Traffic Controller. Whether you're ensuring the safe landing and departure of both military and civilian aircraft, or operating temporary airfields overseas, it's a job that demands split second decision making. You'll be trained in all aspects of air traffic control; from Surface Movement Control to Tower Control and Approach Co-ordination. Salaries start at $50,304p.a. - an amount you'll see increase very quickly. No experience is necessary, because we'll train you up from scratch. Applications are closing soon, so if you've completed Year 12 and want to land a job with real responsibility, become an Air Force Air Traffic Controller.
Call 13 19 01 or visit www.defencejobs.gov.au and apply now.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER
HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Probably not what your after, but just in case...

Gearman,

Clean your inbox, message waiting

Cheers,

Rooter.