I don't know anything about the Dutch ATC system, but I was an air traffic controller for nearly 14 years in the USAF, controlling both military and civilian aircraft at a variety of different facilities, both towers and radar facilities. Now I'm working on my commercial rating as well as CFI, as I really wanted to be a pilot all along, so finally getting to live the dream. However, I enjoyed my time as a controller, it was a fun and (sometimes) exciting job, that is great for anybody that is passionate about aviation.
As I said, I don't know the particulars of the system in your country, although ICAO standards mean that there are some commonalities just about anywhere in the world. However, I think I can safely say the following at least regarding being a controller in general anywhere: The ability to remain calm and be decisive/assertive is valued above almost anything else. Someone that freezes up and/or loses their cool will not last long in the career field of ATC. I have seen people that did fine in the ATC simulator (where most of the training occurs initially) completely lose it once plugged in and controlling live traffic. Also, there is a lot of knowledge that is required to be memorized, and you are frequently tested on this. Having good study and test taking skills is very valuable. Good spatial thinking skills and strong situational awareness are also essential.
I found ATC to be challenging, but very rewarding. It can be boring at times, and the phrase often quoted by combat troops, fighter pilots, and police officers comes to mind (hours and hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror). At a reasonably busy facility though, its a lot of fun; although you never completely lose the awareness that you are potentially holding hundreds of lives in your hands.
Finally, be prepared for everybody you know to tell you that they have heard that ATC is the most stressful job in the world (don't know that I agree with that), and also for people to be confused and not understand what you really do. Some people only know about tower control, even though usually there are far more people working in radar facilities. I even had a few people that thought that an air traffic controller was the person that is outside on the ramp marshaling the aircraft with the orange flashlights, lol.
Geez DurrD, Now you really made me excited (and a little anxious
)!!!!!
First of all thank you for sharing your experience and taking the time to respond!
I am quite positive the systems they work here with are very similar to what you are used to! The job i am apply to will be based at the Amsterdam (Schiphol) Airport, which is one of the largest inside Europe. They claim after the training i will be able to work anywhere in the world
9ICAO standards). However for now i like stay here for now =)
"The ability to remain calm and be decisive/assertive is valued above almost anything else. Someone that freezes up and/or loses their cool will not last long in the career field of ATC." Haha that's gonna be a thing!! I hope i will be able to keep my calm and stay assertive. But i do think i am able to manage! What i am really afraid of is the learning and memorizing tough. I am great at reading trough a book and taking a test next day and get a perfect score, however the day after.... my mind is usually blank..
"Finally, be prepared for everybody you know to tell you that they have heard that ATC is the most stressful job in the world" I ran into this already a few time. People are already trying to scare me!!! My ant for example, she has a friend who worked as a controller years ago and she stopped apparently because of the stress. When i told my ant i was interested she kinda freaked out and sad it was not worth the stress, i am not sure if i agree with that. Haha!
Thanks again and sorry for the late response, real life needed me! However i am gonna have a good time going trough all the test and i will see how far i get
Big <Salute> to you!!
DutchVII
