“ MY PROUDEST MOMENT SO FAR WAS BEING SELECTED FOR THE JUNIOR RANKS PILOT SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME ” |
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ON THE JOB AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
THOMAS
Tom is a ASOS ( FO ) at RAF Lossiemouth ATC , responsible for various elements of supporting Air Traffic Controllers , keeping air systems safe whilst operating from the airfield .
“ My daily duties vary on a day-to day basis in all positions in the tower . This means I can work assisting the controllers within the Visual Control Room at the top of the tower all the way down
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to measuring the friction on the runway with specialist equipment . If I am working within the Visual Control Room I am responsible for keeping track of all air systems flying in the visual circuit but also passing instructions over radio to make sure all vehicles operate safely across the airfield . Another role within the tower is Switchboard Assistant . I am the central point of contact for the tower and I will liaise with Operations , other RAF Stations and Flying Squadrons to make sure there is an effective flow of information so Air Traffic Controllers are fully aware of the aircrew ’ s plans . When operating as the Runway |
Caravan Controller , I am responsible for a mobile unit at the end of the runway and performing last look checks on aircraft to make sure they are operating as it should do as it lands . This is a vital flight safety role and I have the authority to signal to the aircraft that it shouldn ’ t land . The roles that I perform shows how each member of the Flight Operations Team within Lossiemouth Air Traffic Control are all vital to make sure the airfield operates as it should do which I take great pride in . My further development within the RAF has been aided by the opportunities to take on courses provided . I have recently completed |
the Metrological Observers course at the National Met Office in Exeter and have started learning German through education schemes provided by the RAF . I completed the Unit Trainers Course at RAF Shawbury which has allowed me to train new arrivals at Lossiemouth , ensuring they receive the best ‘ On the Job Training ’ possible . My proudest moment so far was being selected for the Junior Ranks Pilot Scholarship Scheme which entitled me to free flying towards acquiring a Private Pilot ’ s License which will save me thousands of pounds .” |
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