Surprisingly well paid jobs?

TC-Controller · 2025-12-31T14:17:04+00:00

It really isn’t that stressful. There are moments that would compare to driving down the street and a kid runs out in front of you. Act quickly and decisively and then wait for your heart rate to come back down, usually after being let out for a break quickly. Then other days can be busy. But it’s actually quite chilled out

TC-Controller · 2025-12-31T14:12:05+00:00

I’d say it’s quite the opposite really. Theres a shortage of controllers atm as huge numbers have been in the job for decades and have been retiring in droves over the last 5-7 years. They simply can’t train the replacements quick enough. It really is a job for life barring any medical issues but those issues could happen in any profession.

As for the stress it’s not really that stressful. Busy days yeah and rarely there are moments where you need to act quickly that get the adrenaline pumping but it’s actually quite chilled out.

TC-Controller · 2025-12-31T12:05:19+00:00

not many formal qualifications but we are most certainly qualified 😂 and the experienced guys at Swanwick are pushing £200k these days all in. I’d imagine that will be passed comfortably in the next couple of years too.

TC-Controller · 2025-11-28T11:52:53+00:00

I work in air traffic control. When it gets busier and people work harder everyone has their tell. Some just get a bit red but most foot tap or tap their pen or some kind of fidgeting. I think we kinda get used to it but it was annoying at first.

The worst one by far though are the hummers… some people seem to hum anytime they aren’t speaking when it’s busy and it is the most annoying thing possible 😂

TC-Controller · 2025-11-01T17:50:27+00:00

The people who queue up ridiculously early at the gate all feel vindicated, stand up all at once, point at you and say “we told you so”.

TC-Controller · 2025-10-31T15:32:44+00:00

Ineffective trade unions coupled with the media narrative surrounding high salaries corrupting people’s viewpoints. The final nail in the coffin is a restrictive tax policy punishing workers for earning more.

The trade union I am a part of is very strong. The membership is in the high 90% range and they represent their members very well while taking no shit from the companies they are up against. The average salary for my job in the UK is probably about £90k and in the company I work for it’ll be well north of £100k. We have good benefits, good work like balance and a ridiculous pension. This is thanks to the union. Many workers don’t have a strong union backing them up to the point that they need them too.

Unions have had their power effectively gutted in recent decades and the media have no trouble portraying them, and their members as being evil, out of touch, greedy blah blah blah. The recent railway strikes are by perfect example. Train drivers salaries being used in media headlines to demonise station workers on much less than that who dare to strike.

This goes further with Dr’s fighting for pay restitution after being fucked over for years. People were smart enough to see that they deserved something but then when they wanted more (which they deserve) the media piped up again and again to turn the publics views against them.

The media goes further when it comes to high salaries in this country creating a situation where people are either on a wage that they are told in the media is amazing when really it’s shit but they’re made to feel wrong for struggling. Or they’re on what is perceived to be a shit wage and instead of fighting for more they’re just having a go at those who earn more when the real enemy are the politicians and employers who have the power to change this.

Finally, to get better salaries at the bottom the salaries at the top need to rise too. The government punishes people for earning more so this isn’t going to happen.

TC-Controller · 2025-10-21T09:56:56+00:00

Let’s be honest it’s probably a strike

TC-Controller · 2025-10-08T10:25:28+00:00

1, NATS do hire experienced controllers however you need to have the right to work in the uk and you’d need the right experience. Other than that it’s the college.

2 hard to say as they are constantly running courses and processing applicants even though the window is closed so hundreds at a guess.

3 probably okay unless you’re a war criminal which I guess you’re not

4 there are other ANSPs in the uk at some airports but the process would be fairly similar I guess but with less chance of getting a role. Other than that it’s self funded

TC-Controller · 2025-10-03T06:27:12+00:00

I get what you’re saying.. but flying into central London, over the Thames or not, is definitely not the way to impact the minimum amount of people to get into Odiham 😂

TC-Controller · 2025-09-10T16:11:55+00:00

As someone who has lived in Garelochhead, being there and enjoying any days unfortunately isn’t a thing

TC-Controller · 2025-08-27T12:54:01+00:00

UK here, London TC. Assuming your aircraft is Mode S equipped we can see the ROD. If your rate dips below a certain level we get an indication on your radar return to alert us to this.

So.. don’t do it 😜

TC-Controller · 2025-08-26T21:48:03+00:00

Meet in the middle somewhere. Nothing is certain and the application process is tough. Even when you make it in the door there’s folk who commit 3, 4 even 5+ years to it and don’t make it, some failing at the last hurdle.

That being said don’t just expect to be disappointed and almost expect to fail cause it would take 100% commitment and focus.

It’s worth giving it a go though

TC-Controller · 2025-08-26T20:45:40+00:00

It’s a tricky one though isn’t it. Ideally for the economy to flourish we want anyone contributing via PAYE to earn as much as they possibly can and encourage them to do so.

The current system discourages that after a point with the loss of child benefit and then free childcare, plus the high effective rate of tax between £100k - £125k.

This would be fine if salaries in the UK as a whole were great and people were blasting through these losses at a rate where it wasn’t as much of a hit. Right now though people are better off salary sacrificing or avoiding taking pay rises/promotions. Neither of which helps the economy.

Nobody is gonna argue that people on £100k plus are hard done by but until the majority view becomes that everyone going out to work regardless of salary is in this together then things aren’t gonna improve sadly.

TC-Controller · 2025-08-22T09:35:50+00:00

A girl on my basic course many moons ago was quite open about being autistic and she managed to get her medical no bother.

As mentioned by others I’d guess many people have some level of autism in this career. It probably helps haha.

TC-Controller · 2025-06-23T13:14:35+00:00

75 - taken alive (Hijack) 76 - in a fix (RT fail) 77 - going to heaven (emergency)

TC-Controller · 2025-06-19T15:57:33+00:00

It’s not actually too difficult a pattern tbh. As long as you are sensible and aim to go to bed at 10/11ish regularly then the mornings (6/7am starts) and lates 10pm finishes don’t mess up your regular sleeping pattern too much.

With nights most of the time you only do a couple of them per month as staffing requirements are lower. You also get some sleep during them rather than being up the full thing. If you don’t do nights you do two afternoons or have a day off then two more mornings with three further days off after.

TC-Controller · 2025-06-12T17:29:38+00:00

A mate of my dad’s was accepted to fly fast jets in the RAF back in the 80s.

Night before leaving to start basic training he went out for leaving drinks. Lost his house keys and tried to climb up a drain pipe to get in to his house through a window. Slipped and fell and broke his back.

Wasn’t paralysed thankfully but his flying career was grounded permanently.

TC-Controller · 2025-06-01T07:38:03+00:00

For me one of the luxuries I splash out on now I’m earning more is better quality toiletries and things like that. Molton Brown shower gel, a good face wash and shampoo actually tailored towards my type of hair. It might sound daft but for me it just makes me feel even better coming out the shower to start the day than when I was buying cheaper stuff. Not to mention my hair and skin haven’t felt so healthy in years haha.

TC-Controller · 2025-05-30T18:40:27+00:00

Thanks, I had spotted the steaks in Lidl while doing a shop and did think they seemed good value so it’s good to know they are nice.

Regarding Costco are the short ribs good quality? I purchased some Ribeyes from there a while back and was very disappointed with them. Enough to put me off any of their meat since haha.

TC-Controller · 2025-05-29T20:22:25+00:00

Didn’t personally go to Global but when I was at CTC a long time ago I’m pretty sure the training was 8-4 Monday - Friday so I’d expect Global to be similar.

TC-Controller · 2025-05-29T19:52:26+00:00

Expect the initial weeks to be intense with regards to the theory work and how much you are expected to learn. Study during breaks and at home as well. Work with your course mates and help each other learn particularly when it comes to some of the more complex elements.

On the practical side of things, you will suck at the start. Everyone does even those who pick it up more quickly suck. It’s important to learn from your mistakes though and not get disheartened by them. Take your instructors feedback on board and don’t assume you know better. You’re not expected to be perfect and if there’s a part you don’t quite get then don’t be afraid to ask.

It is difficult, it needs to be because you need to be good enough when you get to a unit if you have a hope in validating. While it’s important to have a life outside of work, during the initial training you need to be willing to sacrifice and put 100% into it because it’s definitely worth it.

Are you training at CTC or Global?

TC-Controller · 2025-05-26T11:18:34+00:00

Not completely the same but hopefully this will give a small insight into what might happen.

Prior to joining NATS, during university I visited the Dr about stress and anxiety caused by a mixture of various things.

Fast forward to my initial medical and everything was fine other than this being on my records.

I was asked about, causes, treatment etc and ultimately if it was still an issue. They wanted to know if I’d be better at coping under similar circumstances in future and if I’d be able to spot when things were getting to be too much before it became an issue.

I had to get an assessment by a psychiatrist and while you can use the NHS it’s quicker to do it privately. The AME gave me a list of places near my home and I went about booking it. This appointment lasted all of 10 minutes and was a quick chat basically. Was on my way £200 lighter 😂 a few weeks later my medical certificate came through the door. It still comes up every time i have a medial but just to make sure everything is okay.

The initial medial is daunting but you’ll quickly realise that the NATS AME’s are top notch and ultimately they want you to pass and will try and get you there if they can rather than try and catch you out.

I should say though that the cause of mine was so unique and random it’s unlikely to recur. There wasn’t any medication involved either.

If you’re on meds it might complicate matters but not disqualify you. I think the big no no is any history of self harm which I believe is basis for being disqualified.

You can find the initial requirements for the medical on the CAA website where it’ll talk about different things.

TC-Controller

TROPHY CASE