A career marked by two 'Great Storms'... Air Traffic Controller retires after nearly four decades

Monday 18 December 2023

An Air Traffic Controller who started in his role just two months before the island was rocked by the Great Storm of 1987 stepped down last week after nearly four decades.

Jerry Michel had his last day on Friday, following a 37-year career.

"Jerry's working life has been bookended by the two great storms the Island has experienced in the last century. He started at ATC in 1987, two months before Jersey was rocked by 100-mph winds, and will be departing just weeks after we experienced similar weather conditions," said Ports of Jersey.

Pictured: "Jerry has made millions of transmissions over the local airwaves as a controller."

"Thankfully, Jerry's working career has been much less turbulent and he departs with a reputation as a stalwart of the ATC department.

"Jerry has made millions of transmissions over the local airwaves as a controller – including some from the other side of the radio as a private pilot – and has seen many changes over the years, including being part of the move to the current ATC tower in 2010.

"Jerry has been an integral part of ATC for many decades and has acted as a trainer and examiner for many of the colleagues he leaves behind."

Looking to what lies ahead, Ports said that Jerry was "looking forward to having more time to walk his three dogs and to carrying out more hiking, in Jersey and further afield, and spending time with his wife, Zona, and daughter, Yakira".