Sergeant Vanessa Neilson
Job role: Air Traffic Controller

Joined the RAF: April 1994

Overseas travel: Cyprus, France, Germany, Iraq, Norway, Scotland

Career highlights:

• Working as second-in-command in the Royal Box at Wimbledon
• Playing percussion at a charity concert held at Symphony Hall, Birmingham
• Living in Cyprus for three years, working with the Search and Rescue service

‘Our role is very different from that of a civilian air traffic controller; our planes are much faster and more agile. We also work closely with the Army and the Royal Navy as they don’t employ their own air traffic controllers. At first the role can seem quite intimidating, but once you get to know all the rules it becomes second nature.

‘It’s great to be playing such a vital and varied role – within a year of joining I had worked with almost every type of aircraft in the RAF. There are usually seven controllers on a shift and we rotate roles regularly. We deal with all landings and take-offs, liaise with civilian aircraft who need to fly through our airspace and check weather reports.

‘A key part of our role is to alert aircraft and RAF bases to potential hazards such as a balloon flight or an air show display. We also use radar to track aircraft leaving the runway. We can see up to 50 miles ahead so we’re able to give the pilots an accurate picture of what’s coming up – pretty useful if they’re travelling at Mach 2!

‘I’ve been on several operational tours including to Bosnia, where I organised the helicopter flight programme, and to Oman, where I supported the Hercules fleet flying into Kabul. It was just after the events of 11 September and I remember the first day an aircraft came back to base with a bullet hole in it. It was a really challenging time for everyone.

‘My last operational tour was to Iraq, where I filmed a daily video diary for the RAF YouTube channel. I really enjoyed it as it gave me something fun to focus on while I was out there. Although Air Traffic Controllers play the same role at home and on operations, you really do feel the difference. You’re an essential member of a talented team and what you’re doing really matters.’

Web Chat session with Sergeant Vanessa Neilson - Wednesday 17 December 2008

Stuart: How hard/easy was it when you first started?

Vanessa Neilson: At first it was quite difficult, however, once you've got to grips with all the procedures and the right phrases, it becomes a lot easier. Obviously you have a lot more practice and the instructors are helpful and experienced. So they help you when you find it difficult.

bmxbandit: hi, im thinking of joining the RAF late next year. I currently participate in the national BMX and DH series would i be allowed time off from the RAF to participate in these events??

Vanessa Neilson: During your Basic training you wouldn't be allowed time off. However, as your training progresses and as the shift rosters and detachments allow, you would probably be encouraged to participate. What's DH by the way? Sounds cool! Tell me what that is!

Abigael: Hello Vanessa, I'm in my final year at university, I'll like to work in the RAF when i graduate as an Administrative officer. What will you advice me to do?

Vanessa Neilson: Enjoy doing your degree. Start getting fit (that's the worst bit!) read up on the current affairs and the RAF. And go out and get involved in stuff to make you more attractive to the RAF. ie sort of adventure training, adventurous sports, clubs, societies. And visit your careers office (AFCO) and also check out www.rafcareers.com that has lots of information about different trades you might not have considered. (Air traffic's cool - plug plug!)

claire: Hiya! Its great to talk to someone from the RAF. Have you ever worked with the red arrows? And what has been the best thing you have done during your time in the RAF? Thanks xx

Vanessa Neilson: I've controlled them. LOTS! And LOTS AND LOTS. It's easier to control the Red Arrows than you think. As all their display is finely tuned and rehearsed. So all they want is wind speed, and the aerodrome to be clear of other aircraft. Re best thing I've done is I sailed around the Canary Islands, and worked as second in charge (2IC) at Wimbledon in the Royal Box. I met the Duke of York, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The Prince and Princess of Spain, and Bruce Forsyth and Terry Wogan, it goes on and on!!!!

pilot ajf: im currently a member of the ATC and a younf leader at a scout group would that look goo dto the RAF?

Vanessa Neilson: That's awesome! Where do you find the energy! That's just what the people in the RAF are looking for.

Benny T: What's the difference between Flight Operations and Air Traffic Control?

Vanessa Neilson: Air Traffic control, controls the aircraft around the airfield and in the airspace by speaking to them on a radio and monitoring radar. However, Flight operations deal with the flight before they are airborne. Such as flight plans, diplomatic clearances, hotel bookings. They do not speak to aircraft directly. But they do liaise with pilots and air crew before and after flight.

dennis_h: Hi Vanessa, I am going OASC early next year hopefully to become an Air Traffic Control Officer - did you have to complete aptitude tests and if so do you have nay advice for the best preperation for these?

Vanessa Neilson: Actually, yes you have to complete the aptitude test, it's the same aptitude test for officer and senior non-commisioned officer (NCO). You can't really revise or prepare for the aptitude test, however, they say people who play computer games sometimes find them easier. Like eye hand coordination type stuff. And speed and distance calculations are always good to know.

stu_2007: hi, i'm intent on joining the RAF, however, i've been told by the opticians i'm slightly colourblind between red/green. do you know if this will affect my application for air traffic control? or do you know anyone else in the RAF with same/similar conditions?

Vanessa Neilson: Unfortunately you can't be and Air traffic controller because you are colour blind. But there are lots of other trades open to you. So don't rule out the RAF just because of that. Best advice is to go to your local AFCO (careers office) and talk to them about it.

liam charnow: Vanessa, I was just watching your youtube videos, and the final video diary you posted seems full of emotion, how long did you get off work when you got home, and what sort of pay do you recieve?

Vanessa Neilson: It was quite an emotional four months and I was very glad to get home! When I got home I had 6 weeks off work, I went to Vegas for two weeks, (it's a hard life!) and then spent two weeks at Wimbledon working in the Royal Box. The rest of my time was spent just chilling and shopping (well I am a woman!) Re the pay - it's all on the careers website (the job selector section I think). www.rafcareers.com

dixon: hello i am wondering what you get up to in your spare time in the raf? i want to join as a flight ops assistant do you know anything about the job?

Vanessa Neilson: I was a Flight Ops assistant when I joined up! I did it for 9 years, and worked in loads of different places. I have worked in an Air traffic control tower, in an operations room, a rescue coordination centre in Cyprus, and on the Harrier squadron (fast jet squad). I also worked out in Bosnia with the Army. So there is loads of variety and opportunities that you wouldn't get in civillian jobs. In my spare time I play drums! I'm a percussionist in the RAF voluntary band. That's the main thing I do. I obviously do running and other fitness and stuff.

Rob: Hi Vanessa, I have been looking to join the RAF for a while now, and looking at all the different careers, I recently tried to apply for the Police, but they turned me down due to "not enough life experience" even though you can join at 17!, is life experience considered when joining?

Vanessa Neilson: I suppose it depends what level you want to join at. If you were to join as a senior NCO or Officer you'd expect to take the lead much earlier. Therefore having more life experience would help you make the process easier for you. It would be easier for you to cope with the role. However, if you were to join as a Airman/woman, then you could gain these life experiences while serving. It's more about like - being mature, being able to live on your own, look after yourself to be honest.

BennyandtheJets: As you are in the SNCO position will you be able to go for a full comission? If so how long does that normally take?

Vanessa Neilson: Yes I can! And I'm gonna! I would go through the same process as anyone in civillian street. So there's no difference there. I would apply through an AFCO and be brought forward for selection at OASC (officer and air crew selection centre at RAF Cranwell). Four days of testing, interviewing, and there's a medical and fitness test. It takes for the full process about 6 months from applying to starting your training.

Tom: Is the RAF blue uniform very itchy?

Vanessa Neilson: he he he! It's not. So don't worry.

utley22: hi, was just wondering how hard the fitness side of the training is?

Vanessa Neilson: There are fitness tests on the raf website (www.rafcareers.com) for initial training. But you don't have to be superhuman fit. It varies. I mean I'd say running is the best form of getting fit. The fitter you are before you apply the easier your training will be.

J.Savage: Hey im joining the R.A.F regiment at the end of january, can you give me your advise on bringing a iron and an ironing board please. Thank-you.

Vanessa Neilson: You're going to have to iron a lot! You don't have to bring your own, but it's easier.

dennis_h: Thanks for your answer Vanessa. What are the most demanding parts of being in the RAF and/or being in Air Traffic Control? What qualities do you think you need to possess to be successful in this role?

Vanessa Neilson: The most demanding is - being away from family. However, you do get time off to go and see them. The demanding part of being and Air traffic controller is the constant testing to ensure we're up to a high standard. That's everyone. It is good though because then you know that you're doing the job right and that you're giving a good level of service and all your aircraft are all safe. I'd say you would need to have good listening and communication skills, multi-tasking, and mathematics, spatial orientation (knowing your left and your right from your ups and your downs). And teamwork.

Steven: i have a degree, but i dont want to join as an officer. is this common?

Vanessa Neilson: Yes! It's down to the individual. So it's up to you if you want to be an officer or not. Your personal skills might mean you're better suited to a hands on job rather than a management role (Officer).

JenniferWinchester: How do you maintain contact with your family and friends when on on a tour of duty?

Vanessa Neilson: Whilst on detachment to Basra, we get given 30 minutes phonecall a week. And we can use the internet suite to contact via emails or MSN. And we've got blueys (the old snail mail on blue airmail letters). So you can contact home every day. You can also get on facebook.

Matt Hobday: What goals have you got at the moment to achieve within the RAF?

Vanessa Neilson: I would like to apply for my commision, but havent' decided what branch. So like everyone else here I've got to do my homework as well! And I want to go on a sailing leg around the world.

liam charnow: What is a typical working hour week?

Vanessa Neilson: It depends on what the aircraft want to do. If they just want to fly during the day, then we work 8 - 5.30pm. If they want to fly during the night, that's when you have shifts. So for example, the first shift would be in work at 8 and work until 3pm. And then the night shift would come in and work until 11pm.

bmxbandit: Downhill mtb racing, youve probably seen it on the TV

Vanessa Neilson: Thank you! That sounds WELL GOOD!

Lauren: What advice do you have for the Selection Interview?

Vanessa Neilson: For Officer and senior NCO it's the same. The best advice is to be yourself. Make sure you are up to date with current affairs, and what the Air force does. ie what Aircraft we have and what they do. And where we are in the world and why. Also, that you know about the trade/branch you are applying for. And you know where the training is and what is involved.

Adam: I thought all ATC operators were officers, how's it that you've joined as an SNCO (or got promoted to the rank)?

Vanessa Neilson: I was promoted to the rank of sgt, therefore I've been an Air Traffic Controller for 4 1/2 years. However, since April 2008 you can now apply to be a Senior NCO Air Traffic Controller.

henry: i would like to be a pilot but im feel that im missing out on going to university going out wwith friends etc.. can you do activities with the raf etc ?

Vanessa Neilson: You can do more in the RAF than what you probably can while at university! You will soon make friends in the Airforce who all have the similar passion about flying. If you want to come in as a pilot you can join at 17 1/2- 23 1/2 I think. You can do all the sports that you wish to do and get paid to do it because of being in the Airforce. You can also do educational qualifications while training to be a pilot. You'd be a bit maxed out with all the training, but you could do it though. Or you could go to uni and come in when you graduate as long as you're below 23 still.

Vanessa Neilson: Actually I should add - you could even do your Degree while you're a pilot. (There's more info on the raf careers website). So check that out!

Josh: Hi im doing my alevels this year , is that good enough to be an air traffic control officer or would you advise getting a degree aswell ? and would a gap year be welcomed in the raf ?

Vanessa Neilson: You can be an Air Traffic controller with 5 GCSE's grades A to C including Maths and English language. You would become a Senior NCO. You can also apply with two A' levels and the 5 GCSE's and become and officer. So you don't need a Degree to become and Air Traffic controller.

James Whittle: What is the RAF base like to live on? I'm an athlete and am wondering what facilities they they would have on base to help support that

Vanessa Neilson: Every base has a fully equipt gym which - well ours is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. We've also got a swimming pool. There is a running track, cross country track, astro turf for hockey and football. Horse riding. We've got football/ rugby pitches. If you are an athlete, the RAF would encourage you to continue in this. They'd give you help doing it and support.

ollieb: Hi, how good does your vision need to be an air traffic controller? Is it the same requirements that they have pilots?

Vanessa Neilson: No. To be an Air Traffiker it's minus 8 plus 8 at the opticians. I wear glasses as do a lot of the Air Traffic Controllers!

Stuart: i'm studying I.T at the minute will any of my qualifactions help in this line of work?

Vanessa Neilson: Take a look at the ICT Technician trade on the raf careers website. That may be the best role for your current skills. Or visit your careers office (AFCO) and chat to them.

Tooth_fairy: Do you control aircraft from an RAF base or on an AWAC?

Vanessa Neilson: An as Air Traffic controller we control aircraft from an aerodrome. Aerospace battle managers control aircraft from an AWAC (a type of plane). Normally en route to a mission.

Gem: Also what happens if in my initial 6yrs minimum service i want to start a family. Would this be supported by the RAF

Vanessa Neilson: Yes. You can be pregnant while in the Airforce, and have maternity leave and come back to work.

pilot ajf: i play many strategy games to imporve my quick thinking and mental attention, would that be good for jobs in the RAF?

Vanessa Neilson: Yep! Definitely be good for pilot, weapons systems operator, Air traffic control, fighter control.

Vanessa Neilson: So long and thanks for all the chat! x

Views expressed during the web chats are those of individuals and do not necessarily reflect RAF policy.