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Air Traffic Monitoring => Listener Forum => Topic started by: robyul1 on September 16, 2007, 01:19:49 PM

Title: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: robyul1 on September 16, 2007, 01:19:49 PM
Just wanted to throw this one out into the forum and see what people think.  Do you find Boston John good at what he does?  should all controllers have a sense of humor like him, OR do you find him unprofessional, or somewhat babyish?

Post your opinons!  Thanks!

Rob
Montreal, Canada
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: jonnevin on September 16, 2007, 02:23:08 PM
I think he is great. He gets the job done in a busy airport and his humorous style helps ease the tension. I would take his attitude over the opposite (which unfortunately exists more than it should) that other controllers display.

I have never heard any valid argument on why his style is not good, other than "not professional" which doesn't mean anything
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: BWilliams on September 17, 2007, 11:52:57 PM
I think that all of the large airports need a light-hearted guy like Boston John in the tower.

John does his job well but manages to stay calm even when he's got a whole load of metal in front of him.  He may not use perfect phrasology, but if he's got control of the frequency and gets things done, it shouldn't matter (the N90 controller clip is a good example of that; compare that to "what taxiway do you enter the ramp" at JFK... bad style while utterly confusing the pilot)
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: dorishd on September 18, 2007, 10:27:09 AM
Great to listen to. Sounds like he enjoys his job and doesnt mind letting everyone else know he enjoys his job. Im sure at least 90% of the pilots on any given Boston John shift are put into a better mood from his communications. How could they not be? , except maybe for the "speak english" pilot
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Panop on September 18, 2007, 11:44:11 AM
There's a fine line between easy going and unprofessional but he doesn't seem to me to cross it.  In fact his intentions and instructions seem perfectly clear and quite obviously get the attention and co-operation of his 'audience'. 

I would hate to think that the obvious need for standard phraseology completely wiped out any individuality or the human touch.  Having said that I am sure there are elements within the industry who would disagree and I have a suspicion that if there ever were a serious incident on his watch there would be those who would be looking for ways to point the finger at any breach of 'correct' procedures. 

Imitators should beware that only the genuinely talented can hope to get away with what could be considered by some to be unprofessional behaviour. Casualness should never be an excuse for slackness and standard procedures have been created for a reason.  That reason should always be 'safety first'.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: keith on September 18, 2007, 01:27:30 PM
Like most ppl on this forum, I'm a huge Boston John fan.

It's worth mentioning that while he injects a lot of humorous, casual chatter on the frequency, his actual INSTRUCTIONS are phrased correctly (if memory serves).

There's usually a funny prefix on the callsign, or a funny comment at the end, but from what I recall, he doesn't jack with the instructions themselves, and I suspect that's why he has so few detractors.

Compare, "It's not rocket science, it's JET BLUE....232. Boston Tower, wind xxx at yy, rwy zz cleared to land" with, "Jet Blue 232, you're cleared to land, rwy xx"

The first is a typical Boston John line...funny prefix, spot on phraseology for the instruction.  The second is a casually (and incorrectly phrased) landing clearance which I've heard on the air from time to time by other controllers.

The other talent he has is dialing back the gags when time is tight.  Good stuff.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: binky on September 20, 2007, 02:01:33 PM
I'd bet that the majority of people who love him are pilots and especially the listeners here, while most controllers think he's a bit of a knob.  The perception on one side of the microphone can be entirely different than the other side.  The Canadian controller who says 'ROGG' after every transmission is or was the smoothest sounding guy who was working Toronto Approach/Departure at the time, and friends of mine who flew in and out of the area swore he was the best.  I was surprised when I had the chance to visit the Control Tower and Radar Room at Toronto that he was...how shall I say, not well received well by his peers.  So for entertainment value (eg at this website) I guess John is good, but it says nothing about how good he really is at what he does.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: JBnut on November 27, 2007, 01:32:25 PM
I'd bet that the majority of people who love him are pilots and especially the listeners here, while most controllers think he's a bit of a knob.  The perception on one side of the microphone can be entirely different than the other side. 

Well being a controller I haven't had the luck to work with Bos John but he would be a controller I would love to work with because of what was said earlier.  He brings ease to a stressful enviornment..  Keep up the good work John
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: laylow on November 27, 2007, 02:23:35 PM
Boston John can be heard on the Boston Tower feed, right?
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: tyketto on November 27, 2007, 02:49:44 PM
Boston John can be heard on the Boston Tower feed, right?

Pretty much any of the Boston Local controller feeds. He won't always be working Tower. Nor do we know exactly when. So tune in and tune in often!

BL.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: antatc on June 29, 2008, 07:03:21 PM
He's a great guy.

He really gives you a good mood, even if you're just listening in through the web from as far away as I am. (from France, in the french alps)

I guess the pilots get a god mood too when they hear him, he just makes your day, some people have this in them, and he's one of them, it's really nice that we can all benefit from it.. long live the Internet !

And, yes, all ATC in Boston are nice to hear too ;-) , seems there's a good feeling at that ATC "center" (or whatever it's called).
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: NAplaya16-ATC on June 30, 2008, 04:31:28 PM
It's nice to hear someone with some humor and fun in a business thats usually always serious and uptight. (which im glad it is, b/c there is lives at stake!!!)   

Its great to hear someone who flat out loves his job, the work he does, while makin it more enjoyable for others too!  (except for that "Speak English" pilot)!  lol

-NAplaya
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: djmodifyd on July 12, 2008, 10:08:59 AM
I wish they could talk like he does.

i bet he has a few years in the agency!

hell.....i say ANYTHING more than the prescribed phraseology the QA guy is on me.

sometimes i let things slip....and pilots love it!

i think they like the more relaxed atmosphere sometimes....compared to the rigid instructions they are used to hearing.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Balint Rigo on July 15, 2008, 04:13:31 PM
Can he be heard controlling these days? If you catch him please notify... Thanks :)
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: B1900Mech on July 18, 2008, 08:19:52 PM
This is a video I shot while doing a maintenance taxi at BOS, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ5A0UlYbLc  ,Is that John?
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: MIAMIATC on July 18, 2008, 09:36:40 PM
I live a half mile from TPA and the controllers here are nasty and are very dry when it comes to a flight trying to strike up lively banter. There is one controller that wishes every flight departing a SHALOM when handing off to center. Sounds like it to me
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: CFD208 on July 19, 2008, 01:15:45 AM
This is a video I shot while doing a maintenance taxi at BOS, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ5A0UlYbLc  ,Is that John?


Yes
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: jmp1500 on July 19, 2008, 11:47:08 PM
I like his style.  Very professional yet relaxed enough to keep the stress levels down.

Binky wrote:

Quote
I'd bet that the majority of people who love him are pilots and especially the listeners here, while most controllers think he's a bit of a knob.  The perception on one side of the microphone can be entirely different than the other side.

I can see that being entirely true.  Then again he might just be the relief valve that they need in the tower. 
I'm an emergency services dispatcher, which of course is no comparison to a controller, but it does have above-average stress levels as well.  I have a style that I've been told is enjoyable to listen to.  My officers, FD, and EMS personnel have all told me they enjoy when I'm working.  I've been doing it for 16 years, still waiting for it to become a 'job', and don't even have the slightest signs of burning out.

I'll bet Boston John is one of those guys like me.....absolutely in love with his job.  By the way....is John still working in ATC?
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: dave on July 21, 2008, 04:36:33 AM
Yes, John is still working in ATC.  I was up in the Tower last Friday for a tour and unfortunately he wasn't working then, but he is still on the crew at Boston.  It is great to see anyone like John who does a great job, loves his job, and makes quite a few people smile every day.  The world can use more people like John.

Dave
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: NORDO on August 16, 2008, 01:05:11 PM
Boston John rules.  He's very deliberate and concise, and he genuinely seems to enjoy his job.  Interestingly enough, he doesn't just bid departures "seyahh" or "auf wiedersehen," he actually waves at the airplanes as he's handing them off!  Genuine guy who does a damned fine job.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: mghilliard on August 16, 2008, 05:04:32 PM
John's a good man. I worked with him for many years at the BOS. I retired at the end of 2004. John is now a staff specialist at the tower. That's why you don't hear him very much anymore. He would only be on during the day-shift when he gets currency time.

Mike Hilliard
BOS (ret)
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: evilcuban on August 18, 2008, 02:39:12 PM
Yes, John is still working in ATC.  I was up in the Tower last Friday for a tour and unfortunately he wasn't working then, but he is still on the crew at Boston.  It is great to see anyone like John who does a great job, loves his job, and makes quite a few people smile every day.  The world can use more people like John.

Dave


Maaaann, how do you get a tour of a tower?!  I'd LOVE an opportunity like that.

The first thing I remember thinking when I heard John is "this guy really likes his job."  When it gets down to the nitty gritty that guy can move some aircraft.  I really appreciate people who can bring some fun into their work but have the discretion to know when and the skills to back it up.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: goowe on August 19, 2008, 09:19:30 AM
I recently drove across the country on my way to school and toured a few facilities on the way... I found it's pretty easy , you just need to call the FAA number for the control tower or facility.

I found that this website has good contact numbers: http://www.acukwik.com/AirportInfo/KBOS
(under "Control Tower Phone")

If you have trouble with that number, call the administration office of the airport and ask to speak to the FAA Control Tower to schedule a tour and they'll get you there.

Good luck! I'd love to hear how it goes.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: w0x0f on August 20, 2008, 09:59:35 AM
I live a half mile from TPA and the controllers here are nasty and are very dry when it comes to a flight trying to strike up lively banter. There is one controller that wishes every flight departing a SHALOM when handing off to center. Sounds like it to me

I knew exactly who you were talking about when you mentioned the "Shalom" controller.  Actually, he is saying "Shlong," you know, like "So long."  He also says that they are not permitted to engage in lively banter.  TPA is most definitely a no fun zone.  Too much FAA Kool-Aid.

w0x0f
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: bigyakSD on August 21, 2008, 01:22:10 PM
Simple fact is most people are competant at what they do. only a few can be masters. we have a similar guy here at KSAN. And I tell you what, he gets it done, with only one runway, spacing can be tough. not everyone can do it either, we can always tell when someone is less skilled. they start making guys go-around
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: glencar on August 22, 2008, 10:39:54 PM
I live a half mile from TPA and the controllers here are nasty and are very dry when it comes to a flight trying to strike up lively banter. There is one controller that wishes every flight departing a SHALOM when handing off to center. Sounds like it to me

I knew exactly who you were talking about when you mentioned the "Shalom" controller.  Actually, he is saying "Shlong," you know, like "So long."  He also says that they are not permitted to engage in lively banter.  TPA is most definitely a no fun zone.  Too much FAA Kool-Aid.

w0x0f
Always heard TPA was a country club. Haven't been there for several years though.

As for controllers being friendly, it works both ways. I don't have  that much time to socialize but I usually try to include a nice send-off & many times I'm lucky to get the freq read back. I'm not too hurt by it as I figure they're busy up there just like I am occasionally.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: w0x0f on August 23, 2008, 12:25:04 PM
Always heard TPA was a country club. Haven't been there for several years though.


TPA always was a country club until the perfect storm of the imposed work rules and local personnel mixed to make it an undesirable place to work.  I guess it depends on what you can put up with to justify living there.

w0x0f
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: FlySafe on August 25, 2008, 09:31:14 AM
TPA 20 CPC's and 30 (new) trainees, I bet it is more than stressful.   :-(
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: ishtar on August 30, 2008, 06:38:22 PM
John's working tower right now.
Aug. 30, 22:31:39 UTC

He replaced a female controller that always seems so excited when responding to someone when they say have a nice day. Does anyone know who I'm talking about and know her name so I don't have to think of her as 'Good Day Lady'?
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Steel_Anxiety on September 01, 2008, 05:11:32 AM
I think I saw him once when I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to go INSIDE THE TOWER!!!!!
That is right, I was in the tower CAB!!!!
It was amazing. If that was really him, it was a real honor, he is the most entertaining controller ever.
I listen to him all the time, usually from 4:30AM to 4:30PM EST, I believe that is his shift.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: glencar on September 03, 2008, 05:04:11 PM
Most controllers' shifts change on a daily/weekly basis.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Steel_Anxiety on September 04, 2008, 02:56:50 AM
By shift I mean that is when he is usually working. As said before he does not do it as much because he is a supervisor.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: glencar on September 04, 2008, 04:06:09 PM
I know what a shift is. If he's working a shift that gets out at 3PM, he'd be unlikely to still be working at 4PM.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Steel_Anxiety on September 05, 2008, 09:39:08 PM
You dont know what I mean. I am not sure what I mean anymore.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: juandio on March 04, 2009, 11:34:58 AM
He's great. Or at least what I've heard of him so far (audio clips). I THINK I heard him just a couple a minutes ago starting at about 8am PACIFIC, but then he wasn't there anymore.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Hollis on March 04, 2009, 04:35:52 PM
Boston John is working KBOS twr today, 03/04/09. Check the archive for 1900Z onward.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Hollis on March 04, 2009, 05:43:50 PM
Correction - make that time on the archive  at 2100Z.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: djmodifyd on March 04, 2009, 10:07:51 PM
I wish I was a cool enough controller to be famous lol
I've actually been saying hasta la vista for a while now.....guess I'm not the only one haha
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: MathFox on March 05, 2009, 06:07:11 AM
I wish I was a cool enough controller to be famous lol
I've actually been saying hasta la vista for a while now.....guess I'm not the only one haha
First become good at pushing tin... then start perfecting your style.
BTW, please develop your own style, learn from John, but don't imitate him.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: djmodifyd on March 05, 2009, 08:18:18 AM
I wish I was a cool enough controller to be famous lol
I've actually been saying hasta la vista for a while now.....guess I'm not the only one haha
First become good at pushing tin... then start perfecting your style.
BTW, please develop your own style, learn from John, but don't imitate him.


Hmmmm....perhaps you miss-understood. I was saying that BEFORE I knew of "Boston john".

And as far as being good.....sounds like you think I suck.  Meh
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: MathFox on March 05, 2009, 09:28:06 AM
Hmmmm....perhaps you miss-understood. I was saying that BEFORE I knew of "Boston john".

And as far as being good.....sounds like you think I suck.  Meh
I haven't heard enough of you to form an opinion on your quality as controller, but keeping your certificate means that you must have some.
I respect John first for doing a good controlling job; he uses his personal style to improve his work.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: tremendous on March 05, 2009, 12:23:07 PM
I bet boston John has a moustache. In fact, I imagine most controllers I listen to (usually JFK) to have them. Except STOP YOUR PLANE guy. he wears glasses and looks like some guy who is a minor character in Law and Order SVU.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: NAplaya16-ATC on March 05, 2009, 02:46:42 PM
can anyone bring up and paste his most recent time on position in the tower from a few days ago?  id like to hear a few "mocha's", some "cooooooooooollllllllllllllllgan's", and of course some "hasta la vista's".    lol

-NAplaya
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Jebtha on March 06, 2009, 12:59:48 PM
can anyone bring up and paste his most recent time on position in the tower from a few days ago?  id like to hear a few "mocha's", some "cooooooooooollllllllllllllllgan's", and of course some "hasta la vista's".    lol

-NAplaya

Here you go:

http://www.liveatc.net/forums/atcaviation-audio-clips/boston-john-mocha/msg33834/#msg33834
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: deutsche_mak on March 17, 2009, 03:09:37 PM
Boston John is on right now ... 1200 hours pacific.

John ... if you read this ... you are OUTSTANDING!!!!!
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: starlook124 on March 17, 2009, 05:56:39 PM
Dang I must have just missed him
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: deutsche_mak on March 17, 2009, 06:07:13 PM
I got to hear him for about 40 minutes.

Some of the pilots I heard said that it was "good to hear" him, and "it's been a while".  I wonder how long he's been off and if he was covering or is on a shift again?
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: starlook124 on March 18, 2009, 05:12:14 PM
I still have yet to hear him live, if anyone out there hears him on frequency, it would be cool to hear about it.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Seaduck123 on March 18, 2009, 07:14:01 PM
Boston John is on right now.  3/18/09 7:13 EDT.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: Marty Becker on March 24, 2009, 02:24:50 PM
Boston John is on right now...  3-24-2009 14:20 EDT
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: rekno13 on August 07, 2009, 04:43:04 AM
Sorry to resurrect old posts : )

What does Mocha mean?
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: mrhahn on August 07, 2009, 04:05:07 PM
I think it's a shortened version of Cape Air's slogan "MOCHA HAGoTDI", meaning Make Our Customers Happy And Have A Good Time Doing It.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: rekno13 on August 07, 2009, 05:01:40 PM
oooo..... I totally thought he was speaking some foreign language when he does that.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: jc2354 on August 24, 2009, 12:24:16 AM
Does he know of the following that he has?

Jack
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: MathFox on August 24, 2009, 07:38:05 AM
Due respect for John (I admit that I appreciate his professionalism and style)... but when I am on a NWA flight to Boston I'ld prefer John concentrating on managing the traffic instead of pleasing his LiveAtc fanclub.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: nilviod45 on March 18, 2010, 02:36:19 AM
Boston John was controlling Boston Tower today, Wed. March 17th at around 22:20z to 23:3z doing departures on Rwy 22R/// "jet blue!"
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: jmx53 on March 18, 2010, 08:20:49 PM
Not sure how old this is, but here is a pic of "Boston John" Melecio:

http://www.learner.org/workshops/nextmove/metaphor/airtraf.html


Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: w5pda on May 09, 2011, 10:51:27 PM
Boston John rules.  He's very deliberate and concise, and he genuinely seems to enjoy his job.  Interestingly enough, he doesn't just bid departures "seyahh" or "auf wiedersehen," he actually waves at the airplanes as he's handing them off!  Genuine guy who does a damned fine job.

You have a gift for understatement  :-)
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: krull on February 29, 2012, 09:58:32 AM
John leaving?.....Just heard of a party for a John.
He will be missed if it is true.
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: joeyb747 on February 29, 2012, 08:36:26 PM
John leaving?.....Just heard of a party for a John.
He will be missed if it is true.

He is going to San Juan...
See here:
http://www.liveatc.net/forums/listener-forum/boston-john-t9742/
Title: Re: What do you think of Boston John?
Post by: e-pilot on April 05, 2012, 03:14:46 AM
As a student pilot, I spend lots of time on LiveATC.net just listening and learning. Boston John has advanced the art/science of ATC like no other. Most people are talking about the humor aspect, but don't realize that his methods drastically increase situational awareness and actually free up time for pilots to concentrate on what they need to at the time. Think about it. If I am a JetBlue, Colgan or Air Canada pilot there is not a chance in the world that I will miss a radio call from John. More importantly, if I'm NOT a JetBlue, Colgan or Air Canada pilot, the moment my headset crackles and I hear 'JetBlooooooo!' I know that I can immediately tune out that call as its definitely not for me and I can go right back to doing whatever I was doing. Say the following carrier call signs in a monotone to yourself and see how similar they all sound (especially over VHF)... Alaska, Aloha, SpeedBuggy, SpeedAir, SpeedBird, BlueBird, SwissBird, Sunbird,  Eastern, Estex, Eastflight, Virgin, Colgan, KLM, Cotam, get the idea? "Air Can-A-Da" sung to the Canadian national Anthem will  NEVER be mistaken for anything. Period.  LAHSO is another area in which John increases situational awareness and safety. Croooosss! and Hooooollld SHORT! intructions are blatantly blatant and could not be spoken in any other manner which could possibly result in a more effective transmission of that information. The FAA should require every student controller to listen to John as part of their training. I can think of more than a handful of accidents that unfortunately occurred because FAA procedure was followed to the letter, but never would have happened on John's watch. I say John should get the controller of the decade award.