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Home / News / Announcements / Jet2.com pilot and her ATC father share his emotional final transmission before retirement
Published: Fri 05 Apr 2024 at 11:30
A recent Glasgow to Antalya flight was one that will live long in the memory of Jet2.com First Officer Lauren Gott and her dad Ian, who made his last ever transmission to his daughter after 41 years working as an Air Traffic Controller.
Lauren, 29, was operating a busy Jet2.com flight to Antalya on Ian’s last working day at NATS’ Prestwick Centre before he retired, and a team effort by colleagues at Jet2.com and NATS made a dream come true for dad and daughter.
As Lauren flew the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, her father was able to make his final transmission to Lauren’s aircraft. The transmission between Ian and his daughter brought down the curtain on over four decades of him controlling aircraft over the skies of the UK.
During the transmission, Ian was able to say a few words to mark the end of his 41 year career. He broadcasted his pride at being able to share his final transmission with his daughter, Lauren, who in turn wished him a very happy retirement.
Other Jet2.com pilots who were on frequency at the time, were heard sharing their well wishes and congratulations to Ian.
The transmission was understandably a proud and emotional moment for Lauren, who says that her father has been a guiding figure during her lifelong passion for aviation. Lauren joined Jet2.com as a Pilot Apprentice in 2020 and has been flying with the leading leisure airline from Glasgow Airport as a First Officer since 2022.
Lauren said: “Since I started my flying career, my Dad has always dreamed about when the time came for him to retire, how special it would be if I could be the last person that he transmitted to over the radio. I’ll miss hearing his voice over the radio at work (and getting some great shortcuts!) but it’s been an absolute pleasure to share these final moments of his career in such a fitting way.”
Ian Gott said: “I remember taking Lauren down to the airports in Glasgow and Prestwick when she was a young girl, and she would sit on the roof of the car mesmerised, shouting “jumbo” at everything! It sparked her interest in aviation early and by the age of seven, she was determined to become a pilot. I never would have thought all those years ago, that I would be making my last ever transmission from Prestwick Centre to my daughter as a First Officer for Jet2."
He added: "It’s an emotional time for anyone leaving a job after so many years, but this has made it truly special for me.”
