Radar Plotters & Air Controller Sailors

[Blackfly]

Looking for some history particular in the air traffic side for ships. Anyone here an old controller or know of any?

[harry.gibbon]

Just wondering if 'Rimbo' knows of any??? his signature includes a 'radar plotters' badge!

Little h

[Blackfly]

I don't know. I would be interested on hearing anything from him. I would be definitely interested in hearing if he was an AC, I think that's what you guys call your controllers.

We were called Radar Plotters, now Naval Combat Information Operators (NCIOP). The controller was a ASAC or Anti Submarine Air Controller, now a SAC or Shipborne Air Controller.

[Blackfly]

There is a reunion of the Bonaventure RPs coming up in May. Should be interesting to attend that.

[BrettA]

I was an RP (RCN & CF(N)... 1964 - '72), but it sounds like you want air controllers more. While I recall a minor amount of air control familiarization on one exercise, it wasn't a regular thing at all.

And too bad I didn't know about the Bonnie RP reunion, though when on the Bonnie, I was one of 3 'handling' FLOLS (not much to really do, at all). Still, it might have been nice to go.

Note: FLOLS = Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System.

[Blackfly]

All of our controllers are coming from the NCIOP trade (old RP - radar plotter for the no acronym folks) now.

I would be interested in hearing from you about your coursing and training if you are interested in telling.

[brian james]

I was an ASAC [Airborne Surveillance and Area Controller] in the RNZN.... Joined 62 to 75 .......Helos and Fixed Wing.......P3 Orion...Nimrod.....Lot of fun... best live video game ever!!

[Blackfly]

Invite is open for you then too Brian if you are interested in telling any stories about your training or experiences.

[Blackfly]

RP's of the BONAVENTURE will be having a reunion at the Fleet Club in Halifax Fri May 25th (Meet & Greet), Saturday May 26th (the function), and Sunday May 27th, 2012 for the farewells.

[LSRP2]

RP's of the BONAVENTURE will be having a reunion at the Fleet Club in Halifax Fri May 25th (Meet & Greet), Saturday May 26th (the function), and Sunday May 27th, 2012 for the farewells.

This will be the second reunion for Bonnies RP's - first one held in 2010. Very well attended. Attached is the first page of a 7 page hand out from Radar Plotter's trade group 1 course. Brings back memories - will post more when I get them scanned.

Cheers Dave

[Blackfly]

That's great thanks. The reunion is posted on the RP / NCIOP Facebook group for the upcoming reunion.

[Blackfly]

A little esprit de corps idea we have started up.

[Old Salt]

It is rumoured that :

1. A helo controller under training replied to the helo : "Roger your Mayday, do youi have any other messages, over ? "

2. The moment the helo landed and before the blades had come to rest, the pilot was out of the helo, through the hangar, along the passage, into the Opa Room, where he lifted the helo controller out of his chair and punched his lights out !i It was night flying and the controller had ordered the helo to descend xx feet. When the sea suddenly shone very close in the landing lights the pilot needed clean trou !

Brian

[brian james]

Yeah Brian....They..(Flyboys).. can be very 'touchy' (sometimes with good reason!!) I once gave a Wasp Helo Aviator from another Frigate our 'Mast Head Height' as a precaution as the Aviator was well known for 'pushing the envelope'....He was not too amused... when I added "Zero One.... We have also had one more coat of paint since your last overhead transit"!!.....Brian.....

[Metrate]

I was an ASAC B in HMCS NIPIGON entering Norfork Va approaches. THere was an RN ship in company and her 'pony'Wasp was airborne, I asked for control time as I had never controlled a pony. I thought I ws good but this bit of a helo just seem to skid and slide all over the sky. Growing frustrated, I relinquished control to its mother.
Later found out the pilot was having me on

[Blackfly]

That's good to see an old ASAC post in. We still have the master logbook with all the qualifications and dates at the school.

Do you remember much about your coursing? How long? What was involved?

[Metrate]

I did my ASAC course as a S/LT in Preserver, I remember the two RPs ,Billy Cottrell and Bernie Schimp(sic), were on the course as well, We had sail in ST LAURENT when I was a killick met rate, I think the course was about 8 to 10 weeks, possibly in 1976,lots of time in the ops trainer doing rate one turn, there was a sea phase but like the course content its name is lost in the mists of time.

[Blackfly]

OK thanks. We do have a Facebook group setup if you are on that. Not alot of the retired guys on there. Hal Oare I believe is the most retired, if that makes sense.

I'll have a look in the book for those names and find your course number and dates.

[Blackfly]

Check your messages Metrate.