ON THE JOB AREA RADAR CONTROLLER
ANDREW
Andy is a Air Operations ( Control ) Sergeant and has served in the RAF for 5 years , currently working as an Area Radar controller at RAF ( U ) Swanwick in Hampshire . When he is not controlling he plays as part of the RAF Rugby 7s squad , and the RAF Rugby Union Senior XV .
“ THERE IS NO OTHER JOB WHERE I WOULD BE ABLE TO WORK WITH SUCH HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT , CONTROLLING AIRCRAFT AND HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL THE WORLD PLAYING RUGBY WITH YOUR FRIENDS ”
“ At Area Radar , we ensure the safe and expeditious integration of military aircraft through the complicated civil airways structure , whilst also assisting with the safe passage of civilian aircraft that require transit outside of the airways . The day to day job can be very challenging and you always have to be ‘ on your toes ’. Our biggest customers are the Fast Jets from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Coningsby who depend on us for various tasking ’ s such as : Air Defence , Air to Air Refuelling , Air Tests , Supersonic Runs , High level transits and General Handling . I ’ ve travelled all over the world playing RAF Rugby . I have had such experiences as teaching children in India and playing in prestigious tournaments in the UK , Singapore , Dubai and Italy . My favourite overseas trip must be Denver USA of which I ’ ve been to 3 times so far . The standard of the rugby and facilities are incredible . When playing at tournaments we tend to be pooled in the elite categories and have lined up against teams such as England , France , and Italy . When I ’ m not playing 7s in the summer , I play Fly-half for the RAF Rugby Union Senior XV in the winter . Every year the Interservices are our focus where we battle it out against the Army and Navy . These games give me immense pride and are like no other with huge crowds , national anthems and a flyover . It ’ s a real spectacle . My proudest moments are winning the 2015 Inter-Services and being selected to play for the UK Armed forces U23s which has meant I ’ ve played at Twickenham three times . There is no other job where I would be able to work with such high-tech equipment , controlling aircraft and have the opportunity to travel the world playing Rugby with my friends .”
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