Jeffrey Carpenter 1165262 Posted June 11, 2011 at 06:02 AM Posted June 11, 2011 at 06:02 AM As soon as the Mac OS X radar client is released, I will start my air traffic control training again. I will be going into the Air Force as an air traffic controller, so I figure it would be best to get information as soon as possible. My question is, from experience, how should I choose an ARTCC? I'm looking into what kind of training programs are taught, but to me that doesn't seen like enough, so I'm also asking for personal experiences from controllers as well as pilots what ARTCC is best. Now, I'm not trying to start a heated argument on who is better, just give me your experiences. Thank you. Jeffrey "Spaz" Carpenter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernesto Alvarez 818262 Posted June 11, 2011 at 06:44 AM Posted June 11, 2011 at 06:44 AM heres one better, what airspace are you more interested in its better to choose one you have some interest or experience with, even from the pilot side, then one you have no interest in. if you know the airspace, thats a big plus as itll help ease your training then having to learn everything from the floor up. if you want a place that has lots of military active, ZLA and ZOA would be two good places not sure if they still do it, but the vUSAF also has/had a military ATC unit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Wollenberg 810243 Posted June 11, 2011 at 09:21 AM Posted June 11, 2011 at 09:21 AM Honestly, you aren't going to find much in the way of military controlling on VATSIM. The Virtual Military groups have all but given up as far as controlling is concerned. If you want to learn the general FAA procedures though, there is plenty of that. Bryan Wollenberg ZLA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Carpenter 1165262 Posted June 11, 2011 at 05:12 PM Author Posted June 11, 2011 at 05:12 PM Honestly, you aren't going to find much in the way of military controlling on VATSIM. The Virtual Military groups have all but given up as far as controlling is concerned. If you want to learn the general FAA procedures though, there is plenty of that. The controlling in the Air Force is the FAA certification, so I'd be learning FAA procedures. Jeffrey "Spaz" Carpenter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrol Larrok 1140797 Posted June 11, 2011 at 05:23 PM Posted June 11, 2011 at 05:23 PM I'd recommend ZDC, great training program, friendly people and interesting airspace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Gerrish Posted June 11, 2011 at 08:52 PM Posted June 11, 2011 at 08:52 PM Honestly, you aren't going to find much in the way of military controlling on VATSIM. The Virtual Military groups have all but given up as far as controlling is concerned. If you want to learn the general FAA procedures though, there is plenty of that. The controlling in the Air Force is the FAA certification, so I'd be learning FAA procedures. yes they use the .65 however there are different procedures to follow with military aircraft vs. civies. Richard Gerrish Developer, STM Applications Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amrit Ayalur 1138518 Posted June 11, 2011 at 10:37 PM Posted June 11, 2011 at 10:37 PM What are you looking for in an ARTCC? Unfortunately all ARTCCs are not created equal. Some receive more traffic than others, but the ones that don't have their own perks. Is traffic important to you? ARTCCs like ZLA and ZNY can satisfy that requirement, but you will be part of a large group of controllers. If you are looking for something more laid back, ARTCCs like ZAN or HCF possess quality, but we don't get nearly as much traffic. HCF_AA/S3 Mentor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Shivery Posted June 12, 2011 at 04:24 AM Posted June 12, 2011 at 04:24 AM ARTCC's fit into different personalities. Obviously, you can represent it to a city. Larger cities have more people and it is easier to get lost in the crowd; however, some of the larger cities have better systems where controllers get fantastic training. ZLA is a perfect example, their training system is tough but controllers do learn. But, like it's said. The people in the house make the party. Overall, if you wish to have more one-on-one time with your instructor and/or mentor in terms of training and closely knowing all the controllers within the ARTCC, try choosing a smaller ARTCC like Honolulu, Anchorage, Denver, Salt Lake City, or Fort Worth. The traffic levels are (normally) not as high as the larger ARTCC's which have a larger man-power to staff; however, yes they do have their perks. And by not as high, it certainly does not mean you will be sitting there with no aircraft 24/7, it is just less intense. The larger ARTCC's has one of the biggest perks, traffic! With more staffing comes more traffic. These ARTCC's are usually ZLA, ZNY, ZMA, ZOA, ZTL. Here you will certainly have more traffic but be careful which ones you pick! From experience, some of the larger ARTCC's do not have adequate training staff to suffice the entire ARTCC. Then there are ones you certainly just avoid... and I hate to say it is notorious that Seattle is the place no controller wants to be. Unaware controllers transfer here and normally receive no attention from any administrative staff... which is certainly a shame. It is a beautiful airspace but dismantled ARTCC. Overall, select your ARTCC dependent on which qualities you possess. If you need to be stimulated 24/7, a larger ARTCC will probably fit your personality. If you want one-on-one training and attention, a smaller ARTCC might be better. Just remember, there is a waiting period between ARTCC transfers! Petey Shivery Air Traffic Manager Jacksonville ARTCC [email protected] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernesto Alvarez 818262 Posted June 12, 2011 at 05:43 AM Posted June 12, 2011 at 05:43 AM Then there are ones you certainly just avoid... and I hate to say it is notorious that Seattle is the place no controller wants to be. Unaware controllers transfer here and normally receive no attention from any administrative staff... which is certainly a shame. It is a beautiful airspace but dismantled ARTCC. off topic, but if this is accurate then VATUSA may seriously want to take a look to see whats going on out there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cameron Negrete Posted June 12, 2011 at 08:28 AM Posted June 12, 2011 at 08:28 AM another great thing to do is get on ARTCC's teamspeak. Talk to controllers there, get to know em. The controlling enviroment has as much to do with the people surrounding you, as the traffic and training itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romano Lara Posted June 12, 2011 at 09:37 AM Posted June 12, 2011 at 09:37 AM another great thing to do is get on ARTCC's teamspeak. Talk to controllers there, get to know em. The controlling enviroment has as much to do with the people surrounding you, as the traffic and training itself. +1 Among all, I consider this one very important. You may find an ARTCC with sufficient training staff to provide your all your training needs, but that may not be the place you want if you cannot get along with their controllers/staff well. Personally I don't even consider the traffic important. What matters the most to me is the training staff availability, training program, and the overall composition of the group. There are ARTCCs in VATUSA that doesn't have as much traffic as ZLA, or ZNY; but have a really great training program. Take into example ZMP, they have a really great training program, knowledgeable instructors and mentors, though you may not encounter as much traffic as there is in other airspace, they will ensure that you're operationally ready for any kind of traffic level. Romano LaravACC Philippines, Manager - Training & Standards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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