ZME ATC

[Jim Albertson 812206]

Hello everyone,

 

I wanted to tell Mr. Alan Hensley, that he is a FANTASTIC controller. I'm pretty new to VATSIM, but I am pilot in the real world. For the very limited experience I have on here, I have not met another controller (yet ) that is so on par with the real world that I get the same anxiety issues of flying into KMEM as in the real world. Every instruction, read out, advisory was verbatum. I just couldn't get enough of flying into his airspace. I probably flew in so often over the weekend that the guys over at Mem prob know my N number by heart - N225FR .

 

I finally was able to connect to FSInn with FSX. The problem stemed from McAfee . I will post this in the Pilot's section also, because I think that some of the guys would LOVE to fly with a former real world ATC. Mr. Hensley, thank you for one of the most enjoyable weekends I've had in a long time. I haven't been able to fly for a while due to working on getting into the Air Force (math is killing me ). That was "as real as it gets"

 

If Mr. Hensley gets to read this.... I was asked to send you a hello from N46TA, He is my Dad .

 

Have a great one,

Bob

[Nate Johns]

The more you fly, the more you'll find great controllers everywhere.

 

I hear ZAB's controllers are pretty good *bias!!*

 

~Nate

[Alan Hensley 950569]

Thanks for the NICE compliment Bob. I was asked to be in charge of the training at Memphis Center back last fall. And with the blessings of our ATM or as I call him "Chief", Wes Kirkpatrick, I began the process of transforming Memphis from a place where most did not sound like ATC. Most here had not used the 7110.65. A few did not know what it even was. I am of the firm belief if, even in a simulation if you are going to ACT like an Air Traffic Controller, then SOUND like an Air Traffic Controller. Maybe then you will learn some of what an Air Traffic Controller actually does. We use the intercoms and operating initials, (at least in house), and try to make your flying experience as real as possible. If you fly from Tupelo, MS IFR, for example, you can bet Tupelo Tower is on the intercom getting your IFR clearance from Memphis Center, just like if you were doing it for real, since Tupelo is a VFR tower. It is like anything in life, IF you are going to do something DO IT RIGHT. Our attitude is simple. IF we are trained and give you a realisitc experience you will spread the word and more will give us a try. Our guys now take what they do seriously and take pride in what they do. Most on VATSIM unfortunately, will never get to do this for real. Some may never get to experience the privilege of soloing an aircraft, but we can help you to experience it as closely as a simulation will allow. The controllers here have worked very hard learning what they need to so instead of sounding like someone who has no clue what they are doing, they sound like what you and MOST pilots on here expect. Professional, knowledgable, courteous, and confident. Thank you for the very nice comments. I am humbled by them and while we are not perfect, we here at Memphis Center will continue to strive for perfection because if not for you, the pilot, we would be out of a "job"

 

Alan Hensley

Training Administrator

vZME

[Jim Albertson 812206]

An experience like I recieved is an invaluable tool for pilots. Normally, that type of interactive "training" costs a lot of money. Most flight schools can not provide such an immersive training. When I fly, I try to use the same charts and correct procedures I would use for a real flight. I use this for procedural/IFR proficiency just as much as I flight sim for fun. When I know that I can go into an airspace that I've only been a few times and encounter the same feelings... thats invaluble . So, you are absolutly correct in saying that ZME's training makes the experience as real as possible. Your efforts are definantly showing

 

I know most on here are wanting to experience what a real airline or g.a. pilot does. That's why some payware aircraft are availible. You can definantly count on me to spread the word. I have a feeling that some pilots will get to experience the feeling you have when the domino effect takes place... speed reduction, plus new wx update, plus new expected ILS app = 2 mins behind the airplane = late radio calls and a high and hot approach .

 

Have a great day, and I'll be visiting you and your crew more in the future... I can't wait

Bob

[James David Perry 975084]

Hey, you are forgetting that guy that was on ground!!!

Just Kidding!!

 

You are right, we are lucky to have Alan as our Training administor, along with the other intstructors at VZME

 

Jay Perry

ZME_JP