As we celebrate Armed Forces day, 78 Squadron, Air Traffic Control Officer, Flight Lieutenant Ross Hammerton, tells us about his recent trip to the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Normandy. The event commemorated members of RAF No. 15082 GCI & Mobile Signals Units, a little-known British radar unit that landed on Omaha Beach with US Forces and lost several personnel. 

I have always enjoyed playing a part in flypasts, so when I was asked if I wanted to be involved with the one being organised for the King’s Birthday, I jumped at the chance!

We were delighted to support the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation (GMRVF) again this year, through a project that seeks to support entrepreneurs in New Delhi to become financially independent. We contributed another 25 pushcarts to the initiative to support local business, and were honoured to hear the success stories of those who benefitted from our funding last year.

We recently opened the doors of Prestwick Centre to several students from Ayrshire schools as part of the King’s Foundation programme. Keen to understand more about aviation careers and air traffic control, the students were given a tour of the operation.

At the end of last year, we ran a series of simulations at our head office in Hampshire designed to help us understand how eVTOLs might one day operate at scale within UK airspace which promoted a lot of questions. I wanted to take this opportunity to answer some of the points people took the time to raise.

The last couple of weeks have seen a strong Jet Stream and some rapid transatlantic crossings. That’s prompted some people to wonder if those flights have actually been flying faster than the speed of sound and going super-sonic.

For more than 25 years, Concorde was the world’s only successful supersonic airliner. Ady Dolan, Heathrow Controller, joined NATS in 1999 and saw Concorde fly for four years. He reflects on what it was like to control it…

When it comes to air traffic control (ATC), our top priority is ensuring the safety of the skies. To achieve this, we sometimes need to implement what are called Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management (ATFCM) measures. Essentially, these measures allow us to manage demand in different parts of the airspace so that traffic levels always remain safe.

As we remember those who lost our lives in conflict, Prestwick air traffic controller Angela Henderson tells us about the incredible story of her pioneering war time grandparents. Douglas and Margaret Fairweather are among the very few married couples to rest together in a Commonwealth War Grave and here, Angela reflects on their courageous acts….

Officer Commanding 78 Squadron, Wing Commander Chrissie Miller, reflects on her time in command as she prepares to leave Swanwick and hand over her duties.