In this episode, I talk about the Radar portion of the Enroute Academy.

I cover:

• The different lessons
• The lessons to really concentrate on
• When your tests will be
• What the lab will be like
• How to practice with classmates
• How important practicing will be
• How to stay ahead of the program while you are in Radar

I talk about how important it is to stay ahead and not get behind while you are in Radar.

As always, if you have a question or just want to talk, email me at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .

If you want information about my coaching program, go to: sidebysideatc.com/coach .

You can also sign up for the coaching program at sidebysdieatc.com/coach . It is FREE

for the first 14 days. After that, we have custom pricing depending on where your class is and how much coaching you feel you need.

Thank you all for listening!!

In this episode, I talk about why it would be a good idea to have a coach on your side as you go through the FAA Academy.

I talk about what has led me up to this point. I talk about some of the reasons for starting this adventure with you. I talk about how your instructors will be giving you details about what you have to know, your classmates will help you practice and put those details into actual situations.

I also talk about the need for support outside the classroom and outside your group of classmates.

That is where Side by Side ATC and I come in. We are offering the Coaching Program for FREE.

It will be free for 14 days. After that, or during that time, you can decide if you need to continue having a coach by your side.

Our goal is to help you so much that the decision is not really an easy one. We want to give you so much support that you can stand on your own, or you can choose to stand with us by your side.

Either way, we want to see each one of you succeed beyond even what you thought you could when you started.

To sign up for the FREE coaching, simply go to www.sidebysideatc.com/coach .

If you have any difficulty with signing up, email me at tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com.

I can't wait to meet you and help get your ATC career off to a magnificent start!

In this episode, I talk about the schedule at the Academy.

I start with Basics that has to be passed before you actually start either the Terminal Track or the Enroute Track. Basics lasts 19 business days or almost 4 weeks. It was being done in person before Covid, but went to virtual during and after Covid. It is about to start being done in person again starting later this year or early next year.

The Terminal Track lasts for 37 days, or almost 8 weeks.

The Enroute Track lasts for 60 days, or 12 weeks. Both could last longer depending on holidays, which you will not have class on, and weather days, which they DO have in OKC.

I talked about what days the Enroute tests are on and how many points they are worth. I also talked about when the non-radar evals are and how important it is to practice to become as proficient as you can to prepare for those evals. I talked about the tests you will have in the radar portion, their point values and when they happen. I also covered how important it is to continue practicing during the radar portion to prepare for the 2 days of the radar evals. I hope this was a lot of good information for you. If you have any questions, please email me at tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . I will get right back to you with an answer.

If you like the music, you can get more of it at gregorianrock.com .

Thank you for listening!!

I also discussed 2 FREE items that we have for you. The first is a download for you titled,"Top 10 Tips to Succeed at the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy." It has some good tips for preparing for the Academy. You can get this at www.sidebysideatc.com/success

I also announced our new Coaching Program for Academy students. You can sign up for a 14-DAY FREE TRIAL at www.sidebysideatc.com/coach . That's right, it is FREE for 14 days! No credit card is required to sign up!

In this episode, I talk about some of the things that have happened to me in my now 12 years of working in an air traffic control tower. I talk about some of the lighthearted moments and some of the not so lighthearted moments in my career. In the middle, I talk about a free guide we are giving away. It's titled, "Top 10 Tips to Succeed at the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy." We think it will be helpful for all of you who are at the Academy now or are planning on going to the Academy in the near future. You can get the free guide at sidebysideatc.com/success . Thank you for listening to our podcast. Have a great day!

In this episode, I tell some of the "Tall Tales" I have from my time as an instructor at the Academy.

Some of the stories are of victories, and some of defeats. Hopefully, you can get something useful from each story.

The main reason for my telling these stories is to let you know that others have gone through this journey you are on before you. They have had highs and they have had lows, but they have always come out the other side. Your journey will not end at the academy.

I hope that you all like the stories. I hope you laugh, and maybe cry as well( I know that I do telling them).

Thank you for listening. Please leave a comment, or, if you prefer, you can email me at tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .

On this episode, I talk about what it is like to work at an enroute center. I discuss what a normal day is like, what the traffic is like. I talk about what kinds of sectors I worked in my specialty.

I describe the different positions there are at a center. What they do and how they are staffed.

I talk about breaks. How often you get them and how long they may last. I also talk about some of the things you can do around the center on your breaks.

I talk about weather, the impact it can have, and how that impact is different from the impact it has at an airport.

From there, I go into what my time was like at ZFW, FT Worth Center. I talk about the impact my trainers had on me; even if I didn't enjoy being a trainee.

I spend a little time on how I DID enjoy being a trainer and helping new controllers learn the ropes.

That is what led me into offering an online coaching program for academy students. I briefly touch on it today and ask for your input about what you might like to see in that type of program.

I want to thank you all for listening and supporting these podcasts.

If you have a comment or question, please let me know and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

My email is: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .

Thank you again!

In this episode, we’ll dive into the unique experience of working in an air traffic control tower. We’ll explore daily responsibilities, challenges, and the excitement that comes with the job, drawing on my 30 years of experience and insights from former colleagues.

Segment 1: The Basics of Tower Operations

• Overview of the air traffic control tower's role in aviation.
  • Importance of tower controllers in ensuring safe aircraft operations.
• Explanation of the different positions in a tower:
  • Clearance Delivery
  • Ground Control
  • Local Control
  • Radar

Segment 2: Daily Life as a Tower Controller

• Walkthrough of a typical shift.
  • Pre-shift preparations (briefings, weather checks).
  • The flow of traffic during peak hours vs. quiet times.
• Interaction with pilots and other personnel.
• Real-time decision-making and problem-solving.

Segment 3: Challenges of Tower Work

• High-stress environment: Managing multiple aircraft and communication.
• Dealing with weather-related challenges (storms, wind).
• Handling emergencies
• The importance of teamwork and communication among controllers.

Segment 4: The Rewards of the Job

• The thrill of the job: excitement of coordinating takeoffs and landings.
• Sense of accomplishment from ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Long-term relationships with colleagues and pilots.

Segment 5: Insights from Former Tower Controllers

• Story that highlights a unique lesson learned in the tower.

Conclusion

• Recap of key points discussed.
• Invitation for listeners to share their questions or stories related to air traffic control.

Thank you so much for listening. Leave a question or a comment at:

tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .

If you like the music, you can find more at:

Gregorianrock.com .

Segment 1: Understanding the Academy Structure and Expectations

• Overview of the FAA Academy:
  • The curriculum, phases, and training environment.
  • Types of evaluations (academic tests, simulations, etc.).
• What the Academy expects from students:
  • The importance of discipline, focus, and quick learning.
  • Key areas of study: airspace structure, aircraft performance, communication protocols, and decision-making.
• Why proper preparation matters:
  • Understanding the high attrition rates.
  • The difference between students who arrive prepared and those who don’t.

Segment 2: Academic Preparation

• Familiarizing yourself with key subjects:
  • Basic air traffic control concepts (airspace, flight paths, aircraft separation).
  • Terminology and phraseology used in ATC.
• Resources for learning before the Academy:
  • Suggested reading materials (LOA’s, SOP).
  • Joining ATC communities or forums for additional guidance. Discord
• Building study habits:
  • How to develop a study routine that mimics the intensity of the Academy.
  • Recommended tools (flashcards, apps) to reinforce learning.
  • Practice tests and quizzes to gauge progress.

Segment 3: Mental and Emotional Preparation

• The mental demands of air traffic control:
  • The need for quick decision-making and high levels of concentration.
  • Staying calm under pressure: why emotional stability is key.
• How to build mental resilience:
  • Techniques to improve focus and reaction time (meditation, mental exercises).
  • Simulating high-pressure environments to acclimate your mind.
  • Importance of self-awareness and stress management before arriving at the Academy.

Segment 4: Communication and Assertiveness Training

• Why communication is crucial for success:
  • Air traffic control revolves around clear, concise instructions and responses.
• Ways to improve your communication skills:
  • Understand proper ATC phraseology and practice saying it aloud.
  • Engage in role-playing exercises where you simulate ATC scenarios.
• Feedback loops:
  • Actively seek feedback on your communication style from peers, mentors or instructors.

Segment 5: Physical and Lifestyle Preparation

• Physical health’s impact on mental performance:
  • Importance of getting enough rest, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Daily habits that support success:
  • Time management tips for balancing study, practice, and personal life.
  • Establishing a routine that mirrors the rigorous schedule of the Academy.
  • Avoiding burnout by taking regular breaks and ensuring downtime for mental recovery.

Segment 6: Building a Support Network and Seeking Mentorship

• The value of a support system:
  • Surrounding yourself with people who understand the journey.
• Seeking mentorship from experienced ATCs:
  • Finding a mentor to provide guidance, advice, and motivation.
  • Joining groups or online communities where you can connect with others going through the process.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

• Recap of the essential preparation strategies:
  • Understanding the Academy’s structure and expectations.
  • Strong academic and mental preparation.
  • Enhancing communication skills.
  • Taking care of physical health and establishing productive habits.
  • Seeking mentorship and building a support system.
• Final encouragement:
  • Reassure listeners that with the right preparation, they can confidently face the challenges of the Academy.
• Call to action:
  • Direct listeners to additional resources or offer a coaching program for personalized preparation strategies.

I hope you enjoy this episode. If you did, please hit Follow, Like and leave me a rating.

Please leave me an email at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com if you have a question or comment about any episode or if you have a question you want me to discuss on a future episode.

Thank you all so much! Can't wait for next time!