“In the winter for example, when it is freezing, aeroplanes have to de-ice to ensure there is no ice on the aircraft that would impact its ability to fly. “Because safety always is the top priority, things are always done safely rather than quickly and that may mean that a flight departs a few minutes later because it is de-iced first.
“Technical problems are another example, if there is doubt about a system either in the tower or on the plane, then safety takes priority and the engineers get called in to check and repair even if that means delay.”
Occasionally, unexpected events can suddenly make the job a little tougher for everyone involved in airspace.
Paul says: “To be an ATCO, you need the right amount of self-confidence and be able to thrive when it’s busy, and not stress about that happening in the first place. We’re all trained so well to respond to situations that we know what we’re doing and can react accordingly, no matter what happens.
“Sudden things do happen, but we deal with them safely and efficiently in a calm and logical manner. “
