The Side by Side ATC Podcast

Tales From the Academy

In this episode, I tell some of the "Tall Tales" I have from my time as an instructor at the Academy.
 
Some of the stories are of victories, and some of defeats. Hopefully, you can get something useful from each story. 
 
The main reason for my telling these stories is to let you know that others have gone through this journey you are on before you. They have had highs and they have had lows, but they have always come out the other side. Your journey will not end at the academy.
 
I hope that you all like the stories. I hope you laugh, and maybe cry as well( I know that I do telling them).
 
 
Thank you for listening. Please leave a comment, or, if you prefer, you can email me at   tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
 

What is it Like to Work at a Center

On this episode, I talk about what it is like to work at an enroute center. I discuss what a normal day is like, what the traffic is like. I talk about what kinds of sectors I worked in my specialty.
I describe the different positions there are at a center. What they do and how they are staffed.
I talk about breaks. How often you get them and how long they may last. I also talk about some of the things you can do around the center on your breaks.
I talk about weather, the impact it can have, and how that impact is different from the impact it has at an airport.
From there, I go into what my time was like at ZFW, FT Worth Center. I talk about the impact my trainers had on me; even if I didn't enjoy being a trainee. 
I spend a little time on how I DID enjoy being a trainer and helping new controllers learn the ropes.
That is what led me into offering an online coaching program for academy students. I briefly touch on it today and ask for your input about what you might like to see in that type of program.
 
I want to thank you all for listening and supporting these podcasts. 
If you have a comment or question, please let me know and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
 
My email is: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
 
Thank you again!

What is it Like Working in a Tower?

In this episode, we’ll dive into the unique experience of working in an air traffic control tower. We’ll explore daily responsibilities, challenges, and the excitement that comes with the job, drawing on my 30 years of experience and insights from former colleagues.
Segment 1: The Basics of Tower Operations
Overview of the air traffic control tower's role in aviation.Importance of tower controllers in ensuring safe aircraft operations.
Explanation of the different positions in a tower:Clearance Delivery
Ground Control
Local Control
Radar
Segment 2: Daily Life as a Tower Controller
Walkthrough of a typical shift.Pre-shift preparations (briefings, weather checks).
The flow of traffic during peak hours vs. quiet times.
Interaction with pilots and other personnel.
Real-time decision-making and problem-solving.
Segment 3: Challenges of Tower Work
High-stress environment: Managing multiple aircraft and communication.
Dealing with weather-related challenges (storms, wind).
Handling emergencies
The importance of teamwork and communication among controllers.
Segment 4: The Rewards of the Job
The thrill of the job: excitement of coordinating takeoffs and landings.
Sense of accomplishment from ensuring safety and efficiency.
Long-term relationships with colleagues and pilots.
Segment 5: Insights from Former Tower Controllers
Story that highlights a unique lesson learned in the tower.
 
Conclusion
Recap of key points discussed.
Invitation for listeners to share their questions or stories related to air traffic control.
Thank you so much for listening. Leave a question or a comment at:
tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com  .
 
If you like the music, you can find more at:
Gregorianrock.com   .

What is the Best Way to Prepare for the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy?

Segment 1: Understanding the Academy Structure and Expectations 
Overview of the FAA Academy:The curriculum, phases, and training environment.
Types of evaluations (academic tests, simulations, etc.).
What the Academy expects from students:The importance of discipline, focus, and quick learning.
Key areas of study: airspace structure, aircraft performance, communication protocols, and decision-making.
Why proper preparation matters:Understanding the high attrition rates.
The difference between students who arrive prepared and those who don’t.
Segment 2: Academic Preparation 
Familiarizing yourself with key subjects:Basic air traffic control concepts (airspace, flight paths, aircraft separation).
Terminology and phraseology used in ATC.
Resources for learning before the Academy:Suggested reading materials (LOA’s, SOP).
Joining ATC communities or forums for additional guidance. Discord
Building study habits:How to develop a study routine that mimics the intensity of the Academy.
Recommended tools (flashcards, apps) to reinforce learning.
Practice tests and quizzes to gauge progress.
Segment 3: Mental and Emotional Preparation 
The mental demands of air traffic control:The need for quick decision-making and high levels of concentration.
Staying calm under pressure: why emotional stability is key.
How to build mental resilience:Techniques to improve focus and reaction time (meditation, mental exercises).
Simulating high-pressure environments to acclimate your mind.
Importance of self-awareness and stress management before arriving at the Academy.
Segment 4: Communication and Assertiveness Training 
Why communication is crucial for success:Air traffic control revolves around clear, concise instructions and responses.
Ways to improve your communication skills:Understand proper ATC phraseology and practice saying it aloud.
Engage in role-playing exercises where you simulate ATC scenarios.
Feedback loops:Actively seek feedback on your communication style from peers, mentors or instructors.
Segment 5: Physical and Lifestyle Preparation 
Physical health’s impact on mental performance:Importance of getting enough rest, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Daily habits that support success:Time management tips for balancing study, practice, and personal life.
Establishing a routine that mirrors the rigorous schedule of the Academy.
Avoiding burnout by taking regular breaks and ensuring downtime for mental recovery.
Segment 6: Building a Support Network and Seeking Mentorship 
The value of a support system:Surrounding yourself with people who understand the journey.
Seeking mentorship from experienced ATCs:Finding a mentor to provide guidance, advice, and motivation.
Joining groups or online communities where you can connect with others going through the process.
 
 
 
 
Conclusion & Key Takeaways 
Recap of the essential preparation strategies:Understanding the Academy’s structure and expectations.
Strong academic and mental preparation.
Enhancing communication skills.
Taking care of physical health and establishing productive habits.
Seeking mentorship and building a support system.
Final encouragement:Reassure listeners that with the right preparation, they can confidently face the challenges of the Academy.
Call to action:Direct listeners to additional resources or offer a coaching program for personalized preparation strategies.
I hope you enjoy this episode.  If you did, please hit Follow, Like and leave me a rating.
Please leave me an email at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com if you have a question or comment about any episode or if you have a question you want me to discuss on a future episode.
 
Thank you all so much! Can't wait for next time!

What are the Most Common Reasons People Fail or Struggle at the FAA Academy?

In this episode, I break down the most common reasons students struggle or fail at the FAA Academy. I highlight key challenges that students face and offer actionable advice to overcome them.
The podcast begins by addressing:
1) Unrealistic expectations, explaining how many students underestimate the mental and academic demands of the program.
2) Pressure of high-stakes decision-making, stressing how stress can impair judgment. How you can practice making decisions by just making them, and go on to the next decision.
3) Communication skills, which are essential in air traffic control. Many students struggle with clear, concise communication under pressure, I discuss how you have to actively listen in order to excel as a controller.
4) The inability to adapt to feedback, I talk about how you WILL get negative feedback during the Academy and how to turn those negatives around and use them to challenge yourself.
5) Mental endurance and resilience, explaining how fatigue and burnout affect students.
The episode concludes with words of encouragement, reminding listeners that, with preparation and the right mindset, these challenges can be overcome. Students have overcome them before, and YOU CAN TOO!
 
 
Thank you for listening. Please hit Follow or Like and leave me a review.
 
You can always email me at:  tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com  .
 
If you like the music, you can get more of it at:  gregorianrock.com .
 
 

What Qualities Do I See in Trainees That Go On To Have Long and Successful Careers in Air Traffic Control

In this episode, I tackle a great question, 
 
What qualities do I see in trainees that go on to have long and successful careers as air traffic controllers?
 
That is a deep question.
 
I talk about how the main thing to do is to show up every day. That's number 1! Next, is to show up prepared every day. Be ready to train. Know more than what they expect you to know. you have to know more than they know. 
 
The last thing I talk about is that you have to be responsible for your training. whether you succeed or not is not dependent on your trainer or your instructor. It depends on YOU! You have to care about your success because your trainers and instructors won't care about it as much as you do. 
 
I hope I have answered the question. If you still have questions about this subject, or any other ATC subject, let me know. You can email me at tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com and I will get back to you as quickly as I can.
 
Thank you all so much for listening! 
 

How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

In this episode, I talk about the ways you can become an air traffic controller. 
I discuss:
the FAA "Open bid"
the FAA "Experience bid"
CTI schools
the military
Advanced ATC school
 
With the FAA "Open bid" coming Oct. 11, this is a good time to think about the ways you can become a controller.
 
If you have any questions about any of the ways you can become a controller, or have a question about any other area of air traffic control, you can email me at  tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
Thank you all for continuing to listen to these podcasts!!
 
If you like the music, you can always get more at gregorianrock.com .
 

Managing Mental and Physical Stress as an Air Traffic Controller

In this episode, I talk about specific ways you can mitigate stress while at the Academy and as a trainee at your first facility. 
They include:
Creating a routine for your time at the Academy that includes:
study time
downtime
sleep
exercise
Positive Visualization
Creating a routine for working a scenario
 
I talk about how sleep deprivation will impact you the rest of your career as an air traffic controller, how exercise will help with that sleep deprivation and how all of it works together.
 
Thank you again for listening. Please hit Like, or Subscribe. share our episodes with someone you know who might benefit.
 
You can always email me at:  tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com
 
 

The Hardest Thing About the FAA Academy-Part 2

In this episode, I talk about a podcast that I listened to that made me know that I needed to do a part 2. That podcast was from John Maxwell at John Maxwell Leadership Podcast. In that podcast, he talks about the Power Of 5.
I try to take that Power of 5 and relate it to what students are trying to accomplish at the FAA Academy.
The 5 are:
What do I want to accomplish
The Right Tool
Take Action
Stay Focused
Be Consistent
 
If you use the Power of 5, you can, AND WILL, accomplish your goals!
 
 
As always, you can leave questions in the comments or email me at:
tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . I would love to hear from you.
 
Thank you very much for listening and have a very blessed day!

The Hardest Thing About the FAA Academy- Part 1

On today's episode, I talk about what I have seen as the hardest thing for students at the FAA Academy. I talk about the amount of information you, as students, will be required to absorb and to know. Then, I talk about the hardest thing:       NERVES!
Join me as I give you some tips about handling nerves while you are at the Academy. 
 
Let me know what you think. Leave me a comment about the show or about a question you have that you would like me to talk about on a future show.
If you like the music, you can get more at:  gregorianrock.com  .
 
Please leave a comment, or you can email me at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com.
 
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to listen and I hope you have a blessed day!

Phraseology is King

On this episode, I talk about why phraseology is King. I talk about the reasons it's so important and some ways to practice. If you have great phraseology, you will:
Sound Professional
Be Professional
Be able to put evaluators to sleep
If you have a question you want me to talk about, you can leave a comment or email me at tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com.
 
Thank you for listening!
If you like the music, you can get more of it at:
gregorianrock.com.

Why be an Air Traffic Controller

In this episode, I talk about some of the reasons to become an air traffic controller.
 
If you like the music, you can find more at Gregorianrock.com.

Side by Side ATC Episode 1-Intro

This is an introduction to our new podcast.