UK

United Kingdom · Operations · Principal/Manager (12-16 years)

Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC)

Here is the whole job, in plain words. What it is, what you decide, how you're judged, how people get here and where they go next. Then the part no course gives you: twelve AI tutors who learn your work.

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  • Experience bandPrincipal/Manager (12-16 years)
  • Direct reports10-25 reports
  • Reports toDirector of Operations
  • UK framework levelUsually a manager, or the deepest specialist in a team

Also advertised as Head of Operations Control · OCC Manager · Operations Centre Lead

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in qualifications employers recognise

Two short quizzes about you

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Airline, Airport and Aviation Management OTHM Qualifications · Level 4 · covers 1 of 10 standards
DAO Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Helicopter Operations Defence Awarding Organisation · Level 5 · covers 1 of 10 standards
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Operations (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd · Level 3 · covers 2 of 10 standards
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Aviation Operations (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd · Level 3 · covers 1 of 10 standards
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Aviation Operations (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd · Level 3 · covers 1 of 10 standards
FAQ Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aviation Operations Control (RQF) Future (Awards and Qualifications) Ltd · Level 3 · covers 1 of 10 standards

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Airline Operations OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Airline, Airport and Aviation Management
Operate Role Specific equipment DAO Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Helicopter Operations
Airfield Operations Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Operations (QCF)
Flight Time Limitations, Duty Management, and Fatigue Risk in Aviation Operations FAQ Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aviation Operations Control (RQF)

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
AI Governance Fluency using AI responsibly
Automation Fluency building AI into how work runs
Sustainability Fluency building care for people and planet into the work
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Your Plan Illustration

Built for Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC)

4 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Airline Operations OTHM Qualifications · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 4
  2. Operate Role Specific equipment Defence Awarding Organisation · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 5
  3. Airfield Operations Pearson Education Ltd · covers 2 of 10 standards Level 3
  4. Flight Time Limitations, Duty Management, and Fatigue Risk in Aviation Operations Future (Awards and Qualifications) Ltd · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 3
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC)?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skills this role is being asked for

  • AI-Driven Decision Augmentation
  • Sustainable Aviation Operations Management
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC) plan as you set up, starting with a Future Fluency module on using AI in your job. No card.

Your first Future Fluency module is free. After that, your AI tutor is £70 a month.

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3What this role really is

Managing an Operations Control Centre means leading the team that keeps an airline running safely, efficiently and on schedule, day in, day out.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

LIDO/Flight 4D or Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro (Flight Planning) Strategic

Evaluating and selecting new flight planning systems, overseeing their integration with other platforms, and defining the strategic parameters for flight plan optimisation.

AIMS or Sabre CrewTrac (Crew Management System) Strategic

Defining rostering policies, overseeing system-wide FTL compliance, negotiating with vendors for system upgrades, and ensuring the system supports operational resilience.

AMOS or TRAX (Maintenance & Engineering System) Strategic

Involved in fleet planning decisions, understanding the financial and operational impact of maintenance schedules, and ensuring seamless information flow between OCC and M&E.

Baldwin SMS or Vistair SafetyNet (Safety Management System) Strategic

Setting enterprise-wide safety policy for the OCC, presenting safety performance to the board using system dashboards, and driving continuous improvement in safety reporting and analysis.

Microsoft Power BI or Tableau (Operations Dashboards) Architect

Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for the OCC, designing enterprise-level dashboards for senior leadership, and using data to inform multi-million pound strategic decisions.

SITA/ARINC ACARS & Slack/MS Teams (Communication Platforms) Strategic

Setting communication protocols for the OCC, ensuring efficient and precise information flow between operations and executive teams during normal and irregular operations.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Major IROPS Recovery Strategy (e.g., widespread airport closure) Escalate to Operations Duty Officer for initial assessment and guidance. Propose initial recovery options to Shift Supervisor, execute approved plan. Lead the tactical response, make real-time decisions on diversions/cancellations, inform OCC Duty Manager.
OCC Budget Allocation & Spend No authority. Submit requests to Shift Supervisor. Request minor equipment purchases (e.g., new headsets) from Shift Supervisor. Recommend shift-level resource allocation, approve minor expenditure up to £1K.
New OCC Technology/System Implementation Provide feedback on user experience for existing tools. Suggest minor improvements to existing systems. Evaluate new features of existing systems, provide recommendations for adoption.
Staffing & Organisational Structure within OCC No involvement. Provide input on team workload. Suggest improvements to shift patterns, participate in junior hiring interviews.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

System-wide On-Time Performance (OTP)
The percentage of all flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of schedule (A14/A15 metrics).
Target · Achieve 88% or higher across the network, year-on-year improvement of 2 percentage points.

If our current OTP is 86%, you'd be tasked with implementing new procedures and training to push that to 88% by the end of the year, saving roughly £1.5M in delay-related costs.

Operational Cost Savings
Reductions in costs directly attributable to OCC decisions, such as fuel optimisation, IROPS recovery, and crew accommodation.
Target · Deliver £500K - £1M in annualised savings through process improvements and strategic decision-making.

Implementing a new fuel planning methodology that saves £80K per month, or reducing IROPS hotel/compensation costs by 15% through more proactive recovery plans.

Regulatory Audit Performance
The number and severity of findings from external regulatory bodies (e.g., CAA, EASA) during operational audits.
Target · Zero Level 1 findings and fewer than 3 Level 2 findings in any audit cycle.

Successfully passing the annual EASA Part-ORO audit with no critical findings, demonstrating robust compliance across all OCC functions.

Crew Utilisation & FTL Compliance
Balancing optimal crew usage with strict adherence to Flight Time Limitations (FTL) regulations, minimising 'crew timed out' events.
Target · Maintain crew utilisation rates above 75% while achieving 100% FTL compliance and reducing FTL breaches by 50% year-on-year.

Through better roster management and IROPS recovery, you reduce instances of crew timing out mid-flight from 10 to 5 per quarter, saving on repositioning and delay costs.

Team Leadership & Development
The effectiveness of your leadership in motivating, developing, and retaining your OCC team members.
  • High team engagement scores (e.g., 80%+), successful promotion of 2-3 Shift Supervisors to Lead roles within 2 years, positive feedback in 360-degree reviews, low voluntary turnover rates (below 10%).
Procedural Excellence & Innovation
The quality and effectiveness of OCC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and your ability to drive continuous improvement.
  • Proactive identification and resolution of operational bottlenecks, successful implementation of 3-5 new or updated SOPs annually that demonstrably improve safety or efficiency, positive feedback from auditors on procedural clarity and adherence.
Strategic Stakeholder Influence
Your ability to build strong relationships and influence decisions with key internal and external partners.
  • Being proactively consulted by Commercial on new route planning, successful negotiation of operational constraints with ATC, positive feedback from other department heads on collaboration and problem-solving, active participation and leadership in cross-functional operational planning meetings.
Safety Culture & Risk Management
The strength of the safety culture within the OCC and your proactive approach to identifying and mitigating operational risks.
  • Increased safety reporting rates (showing a 'just culture'), successful implementation of 2-3 new risk mitigation strategies annually, positive outcomes from internal safety audits, effective communication of safety lessons learned across the team.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Solving Complex Operational Puzzles

You thrive on the challenge of untangling a complex IROPS scenario, figuring out how to get crews and aircraft repositioned efficiently, and seeing the network recover. It's like a high-stakes game of chess every day.

Successfully re-routing 10+ flights and managing 5 crew changes during an unexpected airport closure, getting everyone to their destination safely and with minimal further delay.

Leading and Developing a Critical Team

You get a real buzz from seeing your team grow, from mentoring a junior officer to watching a shift supervisor confidently handle a major incident. Your satisfaction comes from building a high-performing, resilient OCC.

Implementing a new training programme that significantly boosts team morale and reduces error rates, leading to two internal promotions within 12 months.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

You're deeply committed to the highest safety standards. The thought of a procedural lapse or a regulatory breach keeps you up at night. You're driven by the responsibility of protecting lives and the airline's licence to operate.

Proactively identifying a potential safety risk in a new procedure, getting it corrected, and presenting the solution to the Safety Committee before it becomes an issue.

What frustrates people
  • The 'domino effect' of a minor delay at a hub cascading into hours of disruption across the network.
  • Battling with the Commercial team who've sold unrealistic flight schedules or turnaround times.
  • The 3 AM phone call about an issue that absolutely could have waited until morning, ruining your sleep.
  • The immense pressure of making a multi-million pound decision (like cancelling a long-haul flight) in minutes with incomplete data.
  • Being blamed for poor OTP when the root cause is chronic understaffing in ground handling at a third-party airport, which is outside your direct control.
  • Dealing with bureaucratic hurdles or slow decision-making from senior management when quick action is needed.
  • Trying to coordinate with unresponsive third-party ground handlers at remote stations, causing creeping delays.
What this role does not give you
  • A predictable 9-to-5 schedule – aviation doesn't sleep, and neither does the OCC.
  • A quiet, solitary work environment – you're constantly interacting, problem-solving, and leading.
  • A role where you can avoid difficult conversations – you'll need to deliver tough news and make unpopular decisions.
  • An environment where you can always see the immediate, tangible impact of every strategic decision – some changes take months or years to bear fruit.

8Who you work with

This role directly impacts our operational efficiency, safety record, regulatory compliance, and ultimately, our profitability. You're responsible for keeping our fleet moving, our crews legal, and our passengers safe and on schedule. Get it right, and the airline thrives; get it wrong, and the consequences can be severe, both financially and reputationally.

Inside the business
  • Director of Operations
  • Head of Crewing
  • Head of Maintenance
  • Commercial Director
  • Safety & Compliance Manager
  • Airport Station Managers
Outside the business
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC)
  • Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) / EASA / FAA
  • Third-party Ground Handling Agents
  • Fuel Suppliers
  • Airport Authorities

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • Extensive experience (typically 8-12 years) in a Lead Operations Manager or OCC Duty Manager role, demonstrating significant responsibility for real-time operational control and IROPS management.
  • Proven track record of successfully leading and mentoring operational teams, with demonstrable experience in performance management and talent development.
  • A deep, practical understanding of complex airline operational systems (flight planning, crew management, maintenance systems) and how they integrate.
  • Demonstrable experience in managing operational budgets, making data-driven financial decisions, and delivering cost efficiencies.
  • Strong understanding of aviation safety management principles and experience in leading incident investigations and implementing corrective actions.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

Advanced Data Architecture & Integration

As we rely more on complex data for decision-making and AI, understanding how our various operational systems (flight planning, crew, maintenance) share and process data becomes critical. You'll need to guide the integration strategy.

API Management · Data Governance · Cloud-Native Operations · Real-time Data Streaming

  • This quarter: Work closely with our IT department on any ongoing system integration projects, asking 'why' and 'how'.
  • Next 6 months: Map out the data flow between our core OCC systems, identifying bottlenecks or single points of failure.
  • Within 12 months: Lead a project to improve data quality or integration for a critical operational metric.
  • Ongoing: Stay informed on industry best practices for operational data architecture and security.

Quick win: Identify one manual data transfer process within the OCC and work with IT to explore options for automation via APIs or direct integration.

Vendor Management & Technology Procurement

You'll be increasingly responsible for evaluating, selecting, and managing the external vendors who provide our critical operational software. This requires a blend of technical understanding, commercial acumen, and negotiation skills.

Request for Proposal (RFP) Process · Service Level Agreements (SLAs) · Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) · Cybersecurity in Aviation Systems

  • This quarter: Shadow the Director of Operations or IT leadership during a vendor review meeting.
  • Next 6 months: Take ownership of managing the relationship with one of our smaller OCC software vendors.
  • Within 12 months: Lead the evaluation process for a minor upgrade or new feature within an existing operational system.
  • Ongoing: Develop a strong understanding of the aviation technology vendor landscape and emerging solutions.

Quick win: Review the current contracts and SLAs for our core OCC systems. Identify any areas for improvement or potential cost savings, and discuss with your Director.

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Regular attendance at industry conferences (e.g., IATA Ops Conference, Eurocontrol events) to stay abreast of emerging trends and network with peers.
  • Participation in leadership development programmes focused on strategic management, change leadership, and executive presence.
  • Engagement with aviation safety forums and working groups to contribute to industry best practices and maintain a strong safety network.
  • Mentoring junior talent within the OCC or broader Operations department, sharing knowledge and developing future leaders.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

AI-Driven Decision Augmentation

AI is rapidly moving beyond simple automation to actively assist in complex decision-making, particularly during IROPS. Managers who can effectively 'partner' with AI, validate its outputs, and integrate its insights will gain a significant strategic advantage.

  • Human-in-the-Loop AI
  • Explainable AI (XAI)
  • AI for Predictive Maintenance
  • AI for Dynamic Slot Management

Sustainable Aviation Operations Management

The industry's drive towards Net Zero emissions means operational decisions will increasingly be scrutinised for their environmental impact. Managers need to balance traditional OTP/cost metrics with carbon footprint considerations.

  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Logistics
  • Emissions Monitoring & Reporting
  • Optimised Flight Paths for Emissions Reduction
  • Ground Operations Electrification

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Safety Management Systems (SMS) Leadership
  • Irregular Operations (IROPS) Strategic Management
  • Flight Time Limitations (FTL) Regulatory Oversight
  • On-Time Performance (OTP) Strategic Analysis & Improvement
  • Fuel & Cost Index Optimisation Strategy
  • Threat and Error Management (TEM) Framework Design

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    Lead Operations Manager / OCC Duty Manager (Internal Promotion)

    5-8 years in previous role

    Skills to master

    • Mastering real-time IROPS decision-making, leading large shifts, managing complex network disruptions, and demonstrating strong leadership potential.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Consistently exceeding OTP targets for your shifts.
    • Successfully leading the recovery of major IROPS events with minimal impact.
    • Receiving strong positive feedback on your leadership and mentoring abilities.
    • Proactively identifying and implementing operational improvements.
  2. 2

    Senior Operations Manager (from another airline/similar industry)

    12-15 years overall experience

    Skills to master

    • Adapting to our airline's specific operational procedures, culture, and regulatory environment. Quickly building credibility with our internal and external stakeholders.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Proven track record of managing similar-sized or larger operational control centres.
    • Demonstrable experience in budget management and strategic operational planning.
    • Strong references highlighting leadership in crisis management and team development.
    • A deep understanding of relevant aviation regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA).
  3. 3

    Head of Crewing / Head of Maintenance Control (Internal Cross-Functional Move)

    10-14 years in previous role

    Skills to master

    • Deepening understanding of OCC interdependencies with other operational departments, bringing a holistic view to operational challenges, and demonstrating strong cross-functional leadership.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully managing a large department with significant operational impact.
    • Strong collaborative relationships with the OCC team and leadership.
    • A clear understanding of the OCC's challenges and priorities from an external perspective.
    • Demonstrable ability to lead and implement complex operational changes.

15Where this role leads

The long view: This work can lead to senior operations roles, such as Chief Operating Officer or Head of Airline Operations for a larger carrier.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC) is actually changing.

Where it leads

Roles this leads to

Also named as a next step, with no page in the catalogue yet:

  • Head of Network Operations / VP Flight Operations

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Airline Operations, worked against Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC).

Airline Operations Level 4

Applied to your work in Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC)

This unit aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of airline operations, including flight operations, maintenance, and ground handling, and their influence on strategic decision-making. Learners will also understand the regulatory, safety, and environmental frameworks governing airline operations, and be able to analyse operational factors relating to airline route networks, fleet planning, and scheduling.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

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See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC)
  • Safety Management Systems (SMS) Leadership
  • Irregular Operations (IROPS) Strategic Management
  • Flight Time Limitations (FTL) Regulatory Oversight
  • On-Time Performance (OTP) Strategic Analysis & Improvement
  • Fuel & Cost Index Optimisation Strategy
  • Threat and Error Management (TEM) Framework Design
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

16The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC) is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Director of Operations

    3-5 years in OCC Manager role

    Level 6 (Director/VP)

    • Fleet planning and acquisition strategy.
    • Network optimisation and route development.
    • Major capital project management (e.g., new hangar, IT system overhaul).
    • M&A operational integration.

  2. Head of Network Operations / VP Flight Operations

    3-6 years in OCC Manager role

    Level 6 (Director/VP)

    • Airspace management and slot coordination strategy.
    • Fuel purchasing and hedging strategies.
    • Ground handling strategy and vendor management.
    • Operational technology roadmap development.
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Let's be real, running an Operations Control Centre is relentless. You're constantly juggling real-time disruptions, complex crew logistics, and mountains of data. What if you could reclaim a significant chunk of your week, not by working harder, but by working smarter? That's where AI comes in.

We're not talking about replacing human judgment—far from it. We're talking about giving you and your team superpowers. Imagine AI handling the grunt work, crunching numbers, predicting issues, and drafting reports, freeing you up to focus on the high-value, strategic decisions that only a seasoned manager can make. Our internal AI Productivity Hub is already helping our teams do just that.

Automated IROPS Recovery Scenarios

When chaos hits, AI instantly analyses crew legality, aircraft maintenance status, passenger connections, and airport slots. It then proposes the top 3 recovery solutions – a tail swap, a ferry flight, or a strategic cancellation – for any major disruption. This saves your team 20-40 minutes of intense manual analysis per major event, letting you make faster, more informed decisions.

Predictive Turnaround Monitoring

Our AI uses computer vision on airport cameras and analyses ground handling data streams. It predicts if a flight will miss its scheduled departure time up to 30 minutes in advance, flagging it on the Ops Board for proactive intervention. This means you'll save 1-2 hours per day chasing status updates from ground crews and can intervene before a delay becomes critical.

Dynamic Crew Reserve Forecasting

AI analyses historical sick calls, weather patterns, and seasonal trends to predict crew shortages up to 7 days in advance. It then recommends optimal levels and locations for standby crews to minimise disruptions. This cuts down 4-5 hours per week of manual roster analysis and planning, allowing your team to be truly proactive.

Automated Delay Report Generation

AI parses flight data, controller logs, and maintenance notes to auto-generate the first draft of regulatory delay reports and internal incident reviews. It summarises the event timeline and initial causal factors, saving your team 60-90 minutes of administrative work per report. Imagine the time freed up for actual problem-solving!

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC)?

Common routes in include Lead Operations Manager / OCC Duty Manager (Internal Promotion) (5-8 years in previous role), Senior Operations Manager (from another airline/similar industry) (12-15 years overall experience) and Head of Crewing / Head of Maintenance Control (Internal Cross-Functional Move) (10-14 years in previous role). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC) progress to?

This role can lead on to Director of Operations (3-5 years in OCC Manager role) and Head of Network Operations / VP Flight Operations (3-6 years in OCC Manager role), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a Manager, Operations Control Centre (OCC)?

Increasingly, AI-Driven Decision Augmentation and Sustainable Aviation Operations Management. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

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17Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 5

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

 More jobs in operations

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.
If you leave this industry

Operational expertise built here can lead into aviation regulatory bodies, airport management, or consulting for other airlines. Managing complex, high-stakes logistics is a skill that transfers well.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my plan, free What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.