Question for atc

[beaconfinal]

I noticed when it gets real busy sometimes in this particular terminal airspace that I fly in regularly during peak hours, every once in a while another controller steps in and "takes control" if you wish, from the other controller.. From my pilot's point of view it seems like it could be like comparing it to a captain taking control over an fo or vice versa if something imminent is about to happen that requires transfer of control. Is this common to have two controller sitting at one station during peak times or as I would guess, perhaps training although I recognise both those atc voices... Do you have to tell the other controller you are about to "take control"...etc?

any info is appreciated.....
question from a curious pilot!

thanks!

[whiteguy]

Probably training, happens once in a while with YEG ACC.

[TheJudge]

It's likely one of two things: either a position hand off took place, or a trainee who had an instructor step in.

If both controllers are licensed, the position handoff occurs when the active controller is ready and involves a verbal briefing to the relieving controller first about traffic, weather, notams etc. If an instructor took over from a trainee, they are able to override the trainees mic whenever they see fit.

Sometimes during busy times you may have two controllers working the same position (one doing the controlling, the other doing data and coordination). You would only hear the active controller over the radio however.

[cyeg66]

In the event that you're talking about Edmonton, there are 4 trainees in YEG and 2 in YYC at the moment and I've got one of the the latter. Some instructors are much more keen to intervene on their trainee's behalf whereas I prefer to give them plenty of slack with which to hang themselves. Makes for good teaching moments.

[beaconfinal]

Thanks for the replies guys, the information is much appreciated. Just for the record, I am not referring to YEG.

Thanks again