Representation by Andrew Wilby
- Date submitted
- 3 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am a UK CAA licensed Civil Air Traffic Control Officer. At the time of the closure of Manston Airport in May 2014, I held Unit Licence Endorsements in Tower and Approach for Manston, having worked there since 2009. I was made redundant on closure and spent a difficult period out of Air Traffic Control looking for suitable employment. While I secured a post in March 2017, I still consider that this closure has been something of a professional and personal disaster. I have retained my house in Ramsgate – my current role far from “home” sees me in rented accommodation. I have followed closely the DCO process in the hope that this project will be approved and my skills might once again be used at Manston for the great good of aviation and the local economy.
It is thus obvious that I have a strong professional interest in the project.
It was clear to me before the closure that Manston had not been subject to appropriate investment. This lead to frustrating and unacceptable operational delays.
The Applicant’s proposals have taken this into account and I can confirm that several rather technical ATC issues have been addressed in their plans.
In order to secure employment, I have had to accept a post that does not use one of my ATC ratings.
I am quite shocked that a nearly 3km long runway, 61m wide in the SE of the UK could potentially be allowed to be lost to aviation.