General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: TWCAxew on June 14, 2018, 12:06:44 PM
Title: Looking for advise!!
Post by: TWCAxew on June 14, 2018, 12:06:44 PM
Hi there!
2 months ago i singed up for the Dutch air traffic control collage/ the actual job. And i am basicly looking for some advice to what to expect and i know you guys are an insane source of knowledge! :old:
Now is it so that i passed the first test already (6 in total) and next month i need to go to the airport where they are gonna put me trough test for a full day. If i pass this one i need to go back there and they wanna do some more tests with me. after that they will put me in a situation where i need to work togheter with others to see how well i work together with them. after that there will be an interview with me that will take atleast 1.5 hours. The final thing they will put me trough is going to the Tower itself and i believe this is for me to experience if its something i really want (heck yes). :joystick:
So if any of you can share anything that would be a huge help. And i would be so thankful!!
Thanks in advance!!!!
Cheers, DutchVII
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: Nefarious on June 14, 2018, 12:19:25 PM
Junky here is an ATC, haven't heard from him in a while though
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: TWCAxew on June 14, 2018, 12:39:37 PM
Junky here is an ATC, haven't heard from him in a while though
Oh really!? Ill send him a pm later than! Thanks Nef <S>
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: Gman on June 14, 2018, 01:42:55 PM
I was an ATC as well, that was 25 years ago now, when I was 19 I started the TCTI Transport Canada ATC school. I know Junky went through the training in the USA/FAA not that long ago and is currently a controller (tower if I recall correctly, I was an IFR/enroute controller at Winnipeg ACC), for current info he's a great person to talk to. Based on all the conversations I had with him prior to him getting into ATC, I know he had done a lot of research into current ATC operations. Shoot him a PM, or wait for him to post here when he sees this thread.
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: 1stpar3 on June 14, 2018, 01:53:42 PM
BE YOURSELF :aok Dont try to be the person YOU THINK THEY WANT TO SEE. The only character you can play...and knock it out of the park---IS YOURSELF! You got this :rock
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: TWCAxew on June 17, 2018, 07:23:13 AM
Lads! Thank you for your advise and i will definitely shoot Junky a pm when i have time for it! And i will let you guys know if i et trough round 2 :cheers:
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: Hajo on June 17, 2018, 09:32:41 AM
Good Luck Dutch!!
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: DurrD on June 17, 2018, 10:05:49 PM
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.
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: TWCAxew on June 19, 2018, 06:16:24 AM
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 :uhoh )!!!!!
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 :cheers:
Big <Salute> to you!!
DutchVII
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: TWCAxew on June 20, 2018, 07:39:31 AM
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: Curval on June 20, 2018, 09:13:26 AM
Sorry for being a spelling Nazi, but it is advice, not advise.
I realize English is not your first language and I applaud you for being able to write as well as you do in English....I have no other language skills. I just mention this to hopefully help. :aok
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: TWCAxew on June 20, 2018, 09:31:40 AM
Sorry for being a spelling Nazi, but it is advice, not advise.
I realize English is not your first language and I applaud you for being able to write as well as you do in English....I have no other language skills. I just mention this to hopefully help. :aok
Lol thanks, i will try and memorize the proper word :aok
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: TWCAxew on October 24, 2018, 06:31:32 AM
For those that helped me and are interested in the results. I made it to round 4 (out of 6) and did not pass there unfortunately, however it was close enough that i can take the test again in 2 years.
Everyone, thank you <S>
DutchVII
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: icepac on October 24, 2018, 08:42:07 AM
Here's the instruction manual.
And here is a role model.
Title: Re: Looking for advise!!
Post by: Arlo on October 24, 2018, 08:54:28 AM