Scots air traffic controller shares emotional final transmission with pilot daughter

An air traffic controller was able to share the last day of his working life with his daughter through an emotional transmission to end his 40-year career.

Pilot Lauren Gott was able to be there for her dad Ian’s last ever transmission on a recent flight from Glasgow to Antalya.

The 29-year-old was operating the Jet2.com flight on her dad’s last day working 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, Ian was able to make his final transmission to Lauren’s aircraft bringing 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.

Lauren described her dad as a “guiding figure” during her lifelong passion for aviation.

Having joined Jet2.com as a Pilot Apprentice in 2020 , she has been flying with the 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 added: “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.”