Inspector ATS – Ops
“I am busy with new EU directives and how we can meet European requirements under a new regime”
Inspector ATS – Ops
Sarah Lee is a UK CAA inspector of air traffic services (operations) for the southern region of England. In January she became part of the international team forging new common air traffic standards across Europe.
How did you become an air traffic inspector and what qualifications would a new recruit need today?
I joined the Royal Air Force as a teenager and became an air traffic controller (ATCO). After 10 years I moved to civilian operations and joined the National Air Traffic Services (NATS). I continued to work as ATCO at various airfields and now use all my experience and knowledge in the Civil Aviation Authority as an ATS inspector . To join today you would need GCSE level education and eventually enter an organisation like NATS, or work at your local airport as an ATC assistant, or pay for your own course. Course prices vary, but an initial course at an approved training organisa-tion would cost between £30,000 and £50,000 ($60,000-$100,000).
What is the difference between military and civil ATC?
You encounter the same situations because air traffic control is to ensure you satisfy the safe, expeditious and orderly movement of aircraft. The type of aircraft and the spacing marks the difference between military and civil aviation. Being at a fighter base with Typhoons or Tornadoes was fast. In civil aviation you deal with 737s and 747s in a control-led and structured way for high runway use.
Describe a typical working week
With aviation jobs, no week or day is the same. A typical week involves a couple of days on the road travelling to air-ports to examine a controller who has just completed their training to issue a licence or endorse them for a new task. Or I could be conducting an audit of safety management processes. I also visit the CAA headquarters to help with industry policy or develop regulatory changes for the future. Often an individual senior controller asks advice or assistance with an incident.
Is ATC a man’s world?
In the UK there are 10 ATC inspectors, including three regional managers for the southern region, based at Gatwick; the central region based in Manchester and the north, who are based in Stirling. Of these 10, four are women, which is representative of the industry. Between 30-40% of ATCs are female.
Is there a shortage of air traffic controllers?
The UK is generally struggling to maintain staffing levels. It is not easy to attract new people and not everyone turns out to be capable. We never have as many people as we would like and need. Thanks to age discrimination regulations, ATC is not a profession that says you must go at 60. People can work on, subject to routine annual medicals and maintaining competency.
What has been a highlight of your career?
As an ATC at Farnborough I was lucky to be able to move to a new purpose-built control tower in 2002 and was involved in the de-sign of the working environment. We had all-new operational equipment. Previously we had new equipment wedged into a 1920s tower. I also had a wonderful experience at the 2006 Farnborough air show when I worked with the Red Arrows and Airbus at short notice to allow the A380/Red Arrows formation flight to welcome the A380 to the UK. I remember standing in the control tower watching them fly towards us. It was one of the few occasions I have been in a control room that actually went silent. There was a pause then a collective: “Wow, that was great.”
What is next in the pipeline?
I am busy with new EU directives and how we can meet European requirements under a new regime. I expect to spend two to three years in this role getting an understanding of what it means to be in Europe as air navigation service provision becomes more integrated.