Lauren on air as dad retires
Ian works final shift with daughter
A dad and his pilot daughter have spent the last day of his 40-year aviation career working together at Prestwick Airport.
On April 5, Ian made his last ever transmission to his daughter and first officer Lauren Gott after 41 years of working as an air traffic controller.
The Glasgow to Antalya flight that 29-year-old Lauren operated on her dad’s last working day at Prestwick Centre before he retired will remain a special memory the pair will treasure forever.
A team effort by colleagues at Jet2. com and NATS made the dream come true for dad and daughter and 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 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 as a Pilot Apprentice in 2020 and 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.”
Dad Ian 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.”