ATC introducing themselves during flight
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ATC introducing themselves during flight
Weird question I know but looking for a flightcrews point of view.
Been a controller for a few years at Swanwick and I remember when I was training, an instructor always used to say that as a matter of professional courtesy we should if poss say hello to the crew and introduce yourself when boarding/inflight or when exiting a plane.
I've done this a few times and to be honest when I say I'm a controller the reaction I've usually got is one of 'who cares'
Is this due to you guys/girls being too busy to stop and chat or is it more a sign of the times in aviation where it seems we're now all less of a family than in the good old days?
Been a controller for a few years at Swanwick and I remember when I was training, an instructor always used to say that as a matter of professional courtesy we should if poss say hello to the crew and introduce yourself when boarding/inflight or when exiting a plane.
I've done this a few times and to be honest when I say I'm a controller the reaction I've usually got is one of 'who cares'
Is this due to you guys/girls being too busy to stop and chat or is it more a sign of the times in aviation where it seems we're now all less of a family than in the good old days?
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It all depends how it's done really - when I used to work in ATC I used to ask if I could sit up front for short flights - a great experience and really valuable to see what happened on the 'other side' of our business.
Not allowed now of course but doesn't the old Familiarisation Flight scheme still exist?
Not allowed now of course but doesn't the old Familiarisation Flight scheme still exist?
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Well I suppose back in the good old days when flightdeck visitors were allowed, if you'd introduce yourself you would get an invite to come up and have a chinwag, but nowadays most flightcrew don't have much time to do anything other than 'work' during the 25 odd minutes we get on the ground!
Still worth mentioning it though, if you were on my flight, i'd make sure a free cup of tea was sent your way!
Still worth mentioning it though, if you were on my flight, i'd make sure a free cup of tea was sent your way!
I always appreciate it to hear there is any industry colleague on board. Had ATCOs from all different places on board, leading to interesting discussions and clarifications. For example a controller from CDG who could of course explain the language issue etc.
Maybe the Cabin Crew don't care, but regretfully they are mostly in between us and the pax! like the feared doctor's assistants...
Maybe the Cabin Crew don't care, but regretfully they are mostly in between us and the pax! like the feared doctor's assistants...
Controversial, moi?
I'm a controller the reaction I've usually got is one of 'who cares'
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Maybe your right about the cc. Not trying to say they should care or that they do a bad job because they don't. Always figured that cc would think I was trying to bag an upgrade if i mention it when I check in/board the aircraft
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I've only had 2 controllers say hello when boarding/disembarking and had a nice chat with them both... also had 2 on the jump seat (seperately I might add) which obviously gave a better chance for a chat. I'm more interested than some perhaps because my better half is about to start at NATS, but of all my colleagues I can't think of any would give the 'who cares' attitude you mention. I have to say though that you may have unintentionally caught the crew at a busy time (when pax boarding it can get a bit fraught with the odd problem rearing its head!) I'm not defending anyone who may have been rude though, there's no excuse for that! It is a shame you feel like that because none of us can do our job without each other and should maintain that 'family' feeling... I always find it good to see how each other feel about things, but thats why I try to visit the tower at any airport I'm based at and a couple of visits to Swanwick, not all of my colleagues do.
Hopefully you'll get a better response next time... if you're seated at the front, sometimes a quick word whilst the rest of the pax are getting off may be a little more relaxed, unless they're on a 15 min turnaround!
Cheers
Hopefully you'll get a better response next time... if you're seated at the front, sometimes a quick word whilst the rest of the pax are getting off may be a little more relaxed, unless they're on a 15 min turnaround!
Cheers
In the "olden days" I would have been the first to offer you the jumpseat, providing of course you had suitable ID to prove you were an ATCO.
It's just so sad that this is not possible now.
It's just so sad that this is not possible now.
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I'd love to welcome you into the cockpit and pick your brains en-route to your holiday but unfortunately, as a working ATCO with a UK issued security pass, you are a clear threat to the safety of my aeroplane. I must therefore treat you with suspicion and deny you access. Were I to do otherwise I could expect to be sacked by a Company kow towing to the faceless unaccountable bureaucrats at the DfT.
Very sad and very true.
Very sad and very true.
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in the 15 months i've been an FO i've had 3 atco's on the jump seat. was a good time to swap idea's and to let them see how it all works at are end.
also as an FI i used to make a point of dragging my students up to the tower/ radar room. great experience for them and tended to make them less nevous when using the radio as they new it was just another person sat at the other end
also as an FI i used to make a point of dragging my students up to the tower/ radar room. great experience for them and tended to make them less nevous when using the radio as they new it was just another person sat at the other end
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Unfortunately that is likely to be the reaction. There is such pressure for departure on time that the cabin crew don't have time, the pilots preflight are very pressured. I would hope a chat afterwards would be offered, but so often coaches are waiting and there is no time any more. I really wish flight deck passes could still be granted, especially to ATC- it is good for you people to see what goes on on the other side like we should see the ATC side. I think it is time for ATC and BALPA to start pressuring to allow this. I would be only too happy to have you guys along. I will be flying out of BOH and will see if we can get back to sanity.
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Although it's nigh on impossible to visit the flight deck like the good old days, they often open the door when the aircraft has parked. On the rare occasions when I have flown I have taken the opportunity to poke my head in the door and say "I'm a retired Heathrow controller; thanks for the flight". I have always received a very warm welcome... even a friendly "telling off" from an ANZ Captain for not making my presence known before the flight!
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A friend of mine, who works in a large dark grey building just south of Gatwick, used to wait until all the pax got off the flight and then introduce themselves to the flight deck crew.
They tell me that they don't do this nowadays. Wonder why?
Sir George Cayley
They tell me that they don't do this nowadays. Wonder why?
Sir George Cayley
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Because either a coach is waiting for the last one off downstairs with everyone getting impatient, or the groundstaff want the last disembarker off quickly so the gate can be locked and the cleaners enter to get on with the tight turnaround, that's why! Don't be offended- there is just no time, at any time! What do people think we do on turnarounds? Usually late, we slide seats back and chew the cud? Shutdown checks to do, get new paperwork, decide fuel, run out to get fueller who suddenly seems unable to flick the wing switches, rush walkaround, load FMS, tech log, brief, checks, set up plane, go. No time for even a cup of tea! However, if only to apologise to an important passenger (other crew, ops staff, ATC), it is nice to know they are there.
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I am a newbie who is looking for a job at the moment. During my IR course I was asked if it was Ok. for a couple A.T.C. guys to sit in the back for some procedural holds and approaches. The flight went really well ( I must have been conscious of the extra scrutiny). There were strong crosswinds in the holds and on approach. We taxied back to the tower where they disembarked before which, leaving the comment "I didn't realise you guys had to do so much".
I have been to visit A.T.C. in the tower a number of times since. I believe the more we can learn from each other the better for all.
I have been to visit A.T.C. in the tower a number of times since. I believe the more we can learn from each other the better for all.
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I have on more than 1 occasion mysteriously 'lost' a departure slot delay as a result of a friendly ATCO being on board! Always a pleasure to welcome you onto my aircraft - just pop your head through the door and say hello...
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I am still allowed to offer an "official"...guess ATC is... the most uncomfortable seat on the ship. Service is available, communication is available, just bring sunglasses....
About 3 weeks ago there were even two ATCOs in my office, the F/O was completely distracted as these girls were very charming....
About 3 weeks ago there were even two ATCOs in my office, the F/O was completely distracted as these girls were very charming....
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It's just so sad that this is not possible now.
easyJet allow fam flights for ATC, you just need someone in the know to send the right e-mails. PM me if you want.
