In Spain the  propaganda war against air traffic controllers has led to the publication of  a Royal Decree-Law that dismisses  all the agreements negotiated between USCA ( the Spanish air traffic controller´s union)  and AENA these past years.
 
We have experienced an extension of labour hours at company's will with no negotiation at all.
Technical-operative decisions normally made by the controller on duty anywhere in the World (such as the runway in use), in Spain, from now on, can be made by the management of the ANSP in the interest of the so called efficiency of the system.
The elementary safety issues  have been completely forgotten.
 
Traffic controllers have to change working location for service obligation. You can be sent to work anywhere in Spain at government´s command.
 

Worldwide and especially in Europe there is a propaganda war against air traffic controllers. Their salary, allowances, annual leave etc are being questioned in the Press, in what looks like a coordinated attack by governments and aircraft operators to reduce costs by any means available. Ireland, Spain and France are recent examples.

It is completely acceptable to look for ways to increase efficiency in the ATM system. What is wrong is trying to introduce changes or impose “solutions” that are never discussed with the social partners involved. When this happens controllers must react immediately and decisively.

In many countries, ATM depends on controllers working overtime to counterbalance the serious staff shortage. This is an advantage in the hands of trade unions. The threat to abstain from overtime should be enough to convince management to return to the negotiating table. Further actions should be taken if required.

Hello,

I recently got invited to the assessment session testing for Nav Canada and I went to the library and grabbed a few career/test prep books, but they all deal with the American FAA testing. I was wondering if these books will still give me a good base before the session or if they will throw me completly off. If you want the book names they are "Air Traffic Controller" by James E. Turner printed in 1992 and "Air Traffic Control: Career Prep" by Patrick R. Mattson printed in 2006. Also if anyone knows any websites that might help it will be appreciated.

Thank you for any replys,
Bill

Hi,
 
I  will undergo tests to become an ATC. Can somebody give me some advice and tell me more about the job please?
What skills do i need and what is it exactly(en route controller)?
Thanks a lot!
keppy
 

I AM AN ATCO IN INDIA HAVING TWR AND AREA
RATING OF I.G.I AIRPORT NEW DELHI . ANY ONE HELP ME IN TELLING ABOUT  ATCO JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE.

 The International Air Traffic Controllers Skifest of North America announces it's 23rd skifest to be held at Mammoth Mountain, California February 27-March 6, 2010.  All the information is available at www.skifest.us.  This is a great opportunity to spend a week with Air Traffic Controllers from around the world having fun and meeting new friends.  I hope you will check out the web site and join us in 2010!
 
Milt Scherotter
Skifest Organizer

In his presentation, Flight International's David Learmount said that since 2003 flight safety has stopped improving and proposed that airports and ANSPs go beyond compliance with laws. Excellence is now needed, meeting legal obligations is not enough anymore, he added.

Eurocontrol's Richard Lawrence presented the organization's project on reducing call sign similarity in ATC communications, pointing out that 80% of such call signs occur within the same aircraft operator.

Two Cypriots, Dr Sofia Michaelides-Mateou an Dr Captain Andreas Mateou talked about "Criminalization versus Safety", showing that since 1997 various accident investigation reports according to ICAO Annex 13 are used in courts against controllers and pilots.

For more info check the Flight Safety Foundation website.

Being an Air Traffic Controller in Nigeria is a pride. Without any form of sentiment, Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers are the best in the world.

I would like to get info | contacts of companies working in this region recruiting ATCs.
Thank you,
RS

I am looking for Christmas Gifts for my husband.  He has been an air traffic controller for 10 years.  He wants stuff for his new office.  Can anyone recommend any websites or stores?
Thank you in advance and Merry Christmas
 P.S.  ATCstuff.com doesn't not work.