|
Having just this week returned from the IFATCA Regional Meeting on the
Greek island of Kos I am reminded of the level of dedication that many
ATCOs both in the UK and Europe demonstrate not only to their work but
also to ensure that their professional contribution to the global
aviation scene continues to be recognised.
As some of you may be aware for the last few years IFATCA has nominated
the 20th October to be the “International Day of the
Controller” to help promote the global image of the air traffic
controller to the media and others. The uptake of interest in this
initiative has continued to grow and this year many European countries
took the opportunity to use the 20th of October to lobby other agencies
to promote the interests of controllers or in some cases just educate
the general public as to what it is that we do.
I once heard a very amusing story from one of my friends and colleagues
from my initial ATC training course (cadet intake 34 between 1976 and
1978 for those who can remember that far back!) who upon completion of
his training was informed by his mother that one of her friends had
commented on her son’s success. The family home was in Ayr, near
Prestwick and yes you’ve guessed correctly - his mum’s friend thought
that he was now a fully trained traffic warden in the town centre!
I would like to think that with subsequent exposure on TV and film there
is now more awareness from the general public about what ATC is all
about. The Guild is already held in high regard in many UK and
International forums for the consistent and continued input into many
committees and workgroups, but perhaps from time to time we should adopt
a less formal approach and use opportunities such as the “International
Day of the Controller” to promote
ourselves? The generic British reserved nature means that sometimes we
feel that this is “not what we do” but perhaps we should adopt a more
European stance at times?
It was noticeable at the meeting in Kos that the majority of delegates
(but not all I hasten to add!) were considerably younger than me. You
will have read a similar message in the last edition of this magazine
from Roy Bradbury following his attendance at the IFATCA Conference
earlier this year.
Whist for one minute I would not suggest that we do anything to “dumb
down” either the profession or more importantly in this case the
honourable objectives and traditions that this Guild stands for, I do
feel that maybe to stimulate active involvement from some of our gifted
younger members we do need to take a step back (or down from) out lofty
perch and think about the future.
With that in mind at our next management meeting in January 2010 I have
asked that we spend some time throwing ideas at a “virtual blackboard”
(apparently the term brainwashing is not PC anymore!) to see what
sticks. Hopefully the outcome will be some fresh ideas and initiatives
to help the Guild move forwards with new active involvement from many.
This is where I would like your help, hopefully having
read this introduction I may have stimulate some thoughts of your own,
before you settle down to write this year’s Christmas card list why not
take a few moments to jot them down and send them to us, either by email
or perhaps even in a card!
Finally, now that I’ve broken the ice and mentioned it may I take this
opportunity to wish you all and your families and loved ones best wishes
for the festive season ahead and a prosperous 2010.
|
