Author Topic: Soon-to-be AF ATC  (Read 12479 times)

Offline cburch25

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Soon-to-be AF ATC
« on: October 29, 2007, 07:26:57 PM »
Hello,
 I just enlisted in the Air Force and have been guaranteed a job as a a Air Traffic Controller. I leave for Basic in April so I have some time still.
 I have heard from many people that Air Traffic Control can be a very stressful job, if not the most stressful one around. This scares me slightly because I tend to get stressed easily. Im still young (18) and have a while to decide if this is what I will do but I'm just looking for a little reassurance about this job from the people that do it everyday. If anybody has advise for me or even information about Air traffic control, preferably the Air Force side of it would be very much appreciated. :-D

Trainee Burch



Offline cactushp

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2007, 08:15:05 PM »
Lucky!
Try getting some early practice:
www.vatsim.net

Offline Fryy/Avocadoflight

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2007, 08:44:34 PM »
I've thought hard about going into the Air Force reserve to become an ATC. But I decided my true passion is to fly. I think becoming an air traffic controller would be an awesome job, and im sure no matter how stressful the job, all the training you'll have will get ya through it. If you, or anyone else is interested, I've been recording some approach/tower audio from Travis(KSUU) to get a feel of what to setup for hopefully a future feed here.

Offline LAPTOP GAMER

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2007, 11:01:19 PM »
That could be an interesting feed. You could also play ATC simulator as well.
« Last Edit: October 29, 2007, 11:45:24 PM by LAPTOP GAMER »

Offline davolijj

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2007, 01:27:10 PM »
As a citizen and patriot I thank you for making the decision to serve our country.

As far as the job goes...yes its stressful, very stressful at times.  It'll probably be the toughest thing you've ever done in your life.  But more than likely you'll come to love it.  And hopefully by the time you get out things will have settled down at the FAA and you can finish your ATC career with them.  In retrospect, if I was 18 again I'd be running over to my local AF recruiter and signing up just like you did.

Offline Tomato

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2007, 01:59:11 PM »
It used to be #1 on the most stressful jobs' list... I've been reading/hearing that they're trying to make ATC less-stressful, having more controllers, etc but only so much can be done.  If you enjoy that sort of thing, then you'll love the job, stressful or not.  Give it a shot, doesn't hurt and after a while if you know it's not for you, atleast you gave it a try to find out!  :)

Offline CntrllrATC

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2007, 06:45:39 PM »
Congrats on the job selection and your choice to serve, you have picked a very intense and fun job. I'll send you an email with my phone number if you would like some info on what to expect as I went the same route.

Rob

Offline cburch25

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2007, 08:03:10 PM »
Thanks everybody for your input. I don't feel so apprehensive about my job choice now. I'm actually very anxious to get in and see for myself. Like i said I'm going in in april so I have a while so get some tips and be ahead of the pack. I'm going to try to set up that simulator tommorow. And Rob, I'll try to call you tommorow whats the best time?

Thanks again everyone!

Offline CntrllrATC

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2007, 12:12:53 AM »
Anytime will be fine....:-)

Offline ridejumpfly

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2007, 06:38:42 PM »
I'm a controller at McGuire AFB.  Been in the USAF for 5 and a half years.  Make sure you have thick skin..trainers make people cry all the time, guys and girls.  Training at tech school is very broad.  When you get to your base the "fun" will start.  Be sure to study hard at work and home your career depends on it.  I have seen 5 people washed out of MCGuire in the last year and a half.  When you get your assignment at tech school email or call ahead and ask for a local area knowledge guide so you can start memorizing frequencies, airspace, runway lengths widths ect..  Good luck and maybe I will see you at McGuire!

Offline rpd

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2007, 02:03:23 AM »
There is no crying in ATC!!!!   

Offline cmhidinger

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #11 on: November 29, 2007, 04:04:12 PM »
My advice would be to never again tell anyone that you get stressed out easily.  Down the road it can be used against you if they feel you are not fit to continue in training.  Also, stay in the 7110.65 and don't let them teach you too much bad phraseology in the AF.

hd

Offline airdale39

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Re: Soon-to-be AF ATC
« Reply #12 on: November 29, 2007, 04:27:08 PM »
Hi.
    First, only you can assess if this field is right for you, but from the sincerity of your message, I would say to go for it.
    I had the privelage of trying out for ATC when I was on an aircraft carrier in the 50's, and it was fascinating then, so I can imagine how exciting it hasto be for ATC"s now.
    No matter what service you join, you will receive a training second to none. I will take a moment now to say to all ATC"s no matter where or when, "Thank You" for providing a service that makes it possible for me to visit my children and grandchildren in a safe and secure environment, you guys are the best of the best and I salute you.
     To you, go get that training and enjoy every minute of it.
                                            Airdale39