During May 2008 over 20 UK Air Traffic Control Units will be taking part in the first national ‘Visit ATC’ event. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), NATS and independent air traffic units throughout the country are participating in the scheme which is aimed at increasing the knowledge of both pilots and controllers of each other’s skills and limitations. The event is part of the UK’s ongoing Airspace and Safety Initiative (ASI).
All the visits will require prior registration and are open only to holders of pilot licences (NPPL, PPL, BGA certificate etc). Those attending will be required to show their licence. If you have not pre-registered or cannot produce your pilot licence you will not be admitted on the day.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. All the events are free of charge.
| Station | Date | Contact Name | Contact Number | Max Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAF Brize Norton | Fully booked Wed 28 May |
Flying Officer Rebecca Kenyon |
01993 897545 | 12 (2 groups of 6) | First come, first served. Attendees must drive to the station (not fly in). |
| RAF Leeming | Wed 21 May | Flt Lt Ben Cribb | 01677 457210 | 25 | |
| RAF Waddington | Wed 28 May | Flight Sergeant ‘Jenx’ Jenkins | 01522 727 452 |
NATS is providing two dates per listed unit. Some units have yet to confirm the two dates but further information can be obtained from NATS’ organiser for the event, Jason Cawdron, who should also be the point of contact for anyone wishing to visit a NATS unit in May. He can be contacted at jason.cawdron@nats.co.uk
| Unit | Dates available | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Swanwick (Terminal Control and Area Control | 8 and 14 May | Fully booked |
| Edinburgh | 15 and 27 May | Fully booked |
| Gatwick | 7 and 12 May | Fully booked |
| Scottish and Oceanic Area Control Centre, Prestwick | 17 and 26 May | |
| Bristol | 12 and 26 May | Fully booked |
| Birmingham | 14 and 27 May | Fully booked |
| Southampton | 14 and 21 May | Fully booked |
| London City | 14 and 21 May | Fully booked |
| Cardiff | 22 and 23 May | |
| Luton | 14 and 21 May | Fully booked |
| Gibraltar | TBC | |
| Manchester Airport/Area Control Centre | 7 and 14 May | Fully booked |
| Farnborough | 1 and 13 May | Fully booked |
| Stansted | 11 and 18 May | Fully booked |
Group size will be limited to 6 for all visits. In addition to your pilot licence or certificate you will also need to bring some form of photo ID (passport, driving licence).
Cambridge 17 and 18 May 14:00–16:00
contact Alan Siddoway – alan.siddoway@marshallaerospace.com
Blackpool 24 and 25 May 14:00–16:00
contact Tina Robson – CatrionaRobson@blackpoolairport.com
Inverness 24 and 25 May 14:00–16:00
contact Chris Stock – cstock@hial.co.uk
If your local ATC unit is not listed, or you fail to gain a place for an open day, don’t forget that many ATC units host a small number of visits from local airfields and flying clubs throughout the year. Speak to the ATC unit concerned and see if they have any other events planned – alternately, wait for Visit ATC month 2009!