Gkirk From UK - Scotland, joined Jun 2000, 24621 posts, RR: 59 Posted (7 years 4 months 1 week 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 1593 times:
As I am currently going through the selection process for NATS (have a Selection Test in Glasgow in February), I was just wondering whether there is any current ATC here on a.net? And if there is, would you mind describing a typical day in the life of an Air Traffic Controller (I know it varies everyday). If you would prefer, you could e-mail me if you do not want to give out information here.
Having read through a lot of information, I am confident that I can get through the selection process to become a trainee ATCO at Bournemouth where the NATS college is.
Thanks
When you hear the noise of the Tartan Army Boys, we'll be coming down the road!
Xjramper From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 2345 posts, RR: 52 Reply 1, posted (7 years 4 months 1 week 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 1563 times:
I am currently an aspiring one. But, AFAIK, ATCT is one. Im sure he can help you with any questions you have. I kno that he is one. But, I don't know if he can help you with some things outside the us.
TripleDelta From Croatia, joined Jul 2004, 1052 posts, RR: 7 Reply 2, posted (7 years 4 months 1 week 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 1554 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW PHOTO SCREENER
I'm currently in the middle stages of training and schooling for the job, so I've no working experience, but I can say it depends on your "specialization". Area controllers in Croatia often have a demanding, even load of aircraft during their working time, while approach controllers may not have a single aircraft at one minute and 15 coming in from all directions, aiming at the same fix at the other. Tower controllers, without radar, have to juggle high-speed traffic, as well as us VFR loonies, but have an excellent view and are in contact with the planes themselves (excellent spotting opportunities ).
Working time, as well as the required presence at the Center as a backup team, depends on a lot of factors, so there's no universal answer. You may work 3 days a week with normal shifts during the low season, but that may expand to a better part of the week with work - sleep - work - sleep patterns at peak days. Last summer season, Croatian ACC handled on average 1500-1700 planes a day, and given the size and shape of Croatia, that was no mean task. During winter, your communication may boil down to "good day identified" and "contact...", but during summer, you may not get off the mike.
Most ACCs have adapted their schedules and working patterns to meet the geography, capacity and load of their respective sectors, so you have a ton of procedures and working methods. Life on TMA in Croatia is something veeery different from the one at ATL or FRA...
Hirnie From Germany, joined May 2004, 581 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (7 years 4 months 1 week 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 1539 times:
Hi Gkirk!
I´m not able to send you an E-Mail, the contact link doesn`t work. Perhaps you can send me an E-Mail so I can answer you.
The only thing I´d like to say here is that being an ATC is the greatest job in the world.
SPREE34 From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 2092 posts, RR: 10 Reply 4, posted (7 years 4 months 1 week 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 1528 times:
ATC (ATCO) here.
ATC and flying are the best jobs I've had.
I don't understand everything I don't know about this.
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