History
In 1952, a group of far-sighted controllers set about the task of organising a professional body that could safeguard and promote the profession of air traffic control. Their endeavours quickly attracted support and, during 1954, the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers (GATCO) was officially formed, listing some 278 foundation members. The original principles of GATCO have stood the test of time.
If you want to find out about the history of ATC in the UK, have a look at GATCO’s ATC history website, run by GATCO historian, John Levesley.



GATCO Masters and Presidents
Masters
1954 – 1955 C A Robinson 1955 – 1956 G E Lillywhite 1956 – 1957 E Vincent-Miller 1957 – 1958 B F Collins 1958 – 1959 W C Woodruff 1959 – 1960 K I Pearson 1960 – 1962 A Field 1962 – 1963 J Macdonald 1963 – 1964 K B Crosby 1964 – 1965 J N Toseland 1965 – 1966 N Alcock 1966 – 1967 L S Vass 1967 – 1968 P D S Mealing 1968 – 1969 A Field 1969 – 1970 W E J Groves 1970 – 1972 T H Harrison 1972 – 1973 P J Martin 1973 – 1974 E C Dyer 1974 – 1975 T S Johnston 1975 – 1978 L W Curry
Presidents
1978 – 1980 L W Curry 1980 – 1984 R J Timlett 1984 – 1986 E G H Green 1986 – 1990 C J Stock 1990 – 1995 D W F Grace 1995 – 1996 S P Tyas 1998 – 1999 P C Templeman 1999 – 2004 R E J Dawson 2004 – 2007 J M Levesley 2007 – 2010 R Marshall 2010 – 2013 S W Brindley 2013 – 2017 J Ogilvie 2017 - L Barbero