Author Topic: Looking for advise!!  (Read 2672 times)

Offline TWCAxew

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Looking for advise!!
« 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
DutchVII / ULDutch
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Offline Nefarious

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2018, 12:19:25 PM »
Junky here is an ATC, haven't heard from him in a while though
There must also be a flyable computer available for Nefarious to do FSO. So he doesn't keep talking about it for eight and a half hours on Friday night!

Offline TWCAxew

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #2 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>
DutchVII / ULDutch
~~2019 KOTH/TOC Champion~~
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4 time scenario C.O. ~ As dew appears, As dew Vanishes, Such is my life, Everything in this world, Is but a dream within a dream.

Offline Gman

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #3 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. 
« Last Edit: June 14, 2018, 01:45:18 PM by Gman »

Offline 1stpar3

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #4 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
"Life is short,break the rules,forgive quickly,kiss slowly,love truly,laugh uncontrollably,and never regret anything that made you smile."  “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”- Mark Twain

Offline TWCAxew

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #5 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:
DutchVII / ULDutch
~~2019 KOTH/TOC Champion~~
https://ahevents.net/index.php/events/scenarios/about-scenarios
4 time scenario C.O. ~ As dew appears, As dew Vanishes, Such is my life, Everything in this world, Is but a dream within a dream.

Offline Hajo

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #6 on: June 17, 2018, 09:32:41 AM »
Good Luck Dutch!!                                                           
- The Flying Circus -

Offline DurrD

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #7 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. 
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Offline TWCAxew

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2018, 06:16:24 AM »
Good Luck Dutch!!                                                           

Hehe thanks Hajo!!

Lets hope the stars will line up for me  :pray
DutchVII / ULDutch
~~2019 KOTH/TOC Champion~~
https://ahevents.net/index.php/events/scenarios/about-scenarios
4 time scenario C.O. ~ As dew appears, As dew Vanishes, Such is my life, Everything in this world, Is but a dream within a dream.

Offline BuckShot

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #9 on: June 19, 2018, 06:49:57 AM »
Everything you need to know about atc is in the movie "Airplane!".
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Offline TWCAxew

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #10 on: June 19, 2018, 01:18:56 PM »
Still typing my respond DurrD suddenly it got immensely busy at work
DutchVII / ULDutch
~~2019 KOTH/TOC Champion~~
https://ahevents.net/index.php/events/scenarios/about-scenarios
4 time scenario C.O. ~ As dew appears, As dew Vanishes, Such is my life, Everything in this world, Is but a dream within a dream.

Offline TWCAxew

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #11 on: June 19, 2018, 01:19:38 PM »
Everything you need to know about atc is in the movie "Airplane!".

Thanks i might see the movie tonight sir <S>
DutchVII / ULDutch
~~2019 KOTH/TOC Champion~~
https://ahevents.net/index.php/events/scenarios/about-scenarios
4 time scenario C.O. ~ As dew appears, As dew Vanishes, Such is my life, Everything in this world, Is but a dream within a dream.

Offline 1stpar3

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #12 on: June 19, 2018, 02:18:35 PM »
 :rofl
Everything you need to know about atc is in the movie "Airplane!".
Surely, you arent serious? :bolt:
"Life is short,break the rules,forgive quickly,kiss slowly,love truly,laugh uncontrollably,and never regret anything that made you smile."  “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”- Mark Twain

Offline DaddyAce

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #13 on: June 19, 2018, 03:52:40 PM »
Go for it Dutch, I'm sure you will do great!

Offline JimmyC

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Re: Looking for advise!!
« Reply #14 on: June 19, 2018, 04:04:24 PM »
Do you like gladiator movies?
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