Two RAF veterans join growing Teesside air traffic control team

Two former Royal Air Force controllers with more than 40 years of military experience between them have joined Teesside Airport’s tower team.

Matt Westmorland and Chris Plumb have joined Teesside as Trainee Air Traffic Controllers after making the transition from military to civil aviation. Now the pair have settled into the tower – bringing with them no fewer than 44 years of collective forces experience. Teessider Chris Plumb has spent much of his RAF career overseeing Yorkshire’s skies from RAF Leeming, Topcliffe, Dishforth and Linton-on-Ouse. For the 43-year-old, who grew up in Coulby Newham, it’s been a long journey to come back and work at his local airport.

Chris said: “It’s always been a dream to finish up and come here. I started this ball rolling about five years ago by looking into opportunities and, luckily, a position became free. I took the leap of faith, took a chance, did courses and here I am.”

Chris had early spells in London Air Traffic Control Centre as a Support Controller, and also worked in Las Vegas as a Squadron Ops Assistant. His military career also saw him take on tours in the Falklands, Oman, Iraq and Afghanistan. Before joining Teesside’s team, he worked for three years in Cyprus.

Chris added: “It’s ideal – it’s the first time I’ve had a job on my doorstep – and it’s so nice to leave work and just be 10 minutes away.”

From Hull originally, Matt Westmorland joined the RAF in 2002 and has spent time working on Anglesey, at RAF Valley, Swanwick and RAF Northolt to name but a few.

Matt said: “It’s been a bit like teaching an old dog new tricks, but this is a great place to go because you’ve got such a mixed bag of civil aviation – and with Draken here, my military experience does help.”

Both praised the welcome they’d received from the close-knit and growing Air Traffic Control team. After more than 20 years steeped in a military environment, Chris was pleased to be spending more time in the controllers’ chair and taking on a new challenge. He added: “Most people in the Air Force would love a career outside in the Civilian world.

“It is a risk – you generally have to self-fund – and it’s quite a substantial amount of money. But those who’ve done it have loved it and have never looked back.

“The job is very different but there are similarities, and it makes good use of my skillset. The team is fantastic – unbelievable. They’ve got a reputation down at the college which precedes them, and everyone has been lovely.”

Matt’s past experience saw him work in D&D (Distress and Diversion) at Swanwick dealing with aviation emergencies across the country. He explained how he loved the rush and reward of guiding those in trouble to safety – and coping with busy air traffic. Matt said: “There’s no better buzz than when you’re really busy, have been on for two hours solid, and you go on a break, sit down, have a coffee and feel that adrenaline rush.

“I don’t think I could do anything else – and I don’t think I ever will.”

For Matt, the variation offered working at Teesside was a big draw. The 44-year-old added: “I came on a visit a couple of times, and everyone was amazing

“It’s a great area – and I’m back up North which is better than being in London. It’s the team, the varied traffic and how varied and complex it can be.”

Teesside’s Air Traffic team has grown in the past year in line with the arrival of more freight flights from Fed Ex, and Airbourne Colours beginning operations of its aircraft painting facility.

“The more traffic, the better for businesses and locals,” said Chris.

“There are more destinations being added all the time and I think the Mayor has done a good job. Hopefully there’ll be more to come.”

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “It’s great to see trainees with the pedigree of Matt and Chris joining our growing Air Traffic team. The team is the nerve centre of our airport and we’re proud of the reputation they hold nationally.

“I wish Matt and Chris all the best of the next phase of their careers with us. It’s a pleasure to have them.”

Pictured: 1. Chris Plumb. Featured. Matt Westmorland. Credit: Steven Curtis Photography