Yo Rosstafari

I feel like I already screwed up doing a proper homecoming thread, so yeah, here we go.

Hi everyone. Long time lurker, then active member, then lurker again, now back to active, I think. I was air traffic control for about five and a half years, with a significant contribution from JC in getting that job in the first place. Life took me away from ATC to a desk at Boeing, but I found I was missing being close to the planes too much... and that I wanted to be flying them in the first place.

So, in roughly... 9 hours... I head off to ATP in Tacoma to start with their zero to 1500 program. I know there are some pros and cons to ATP, but it's the best fit at the time. Being in my 30's, there's no time to waste, the LOAs with some of the regionals are nice, and tuition reimbursement is a thing now.

I'm going in with only about 35 hours, all of which I did shortly before I started up ATC to try and be a better controller. Jury is still out on whether that worked, but nobody crashed on my watch. Nobody was in a crash that I caused, at least. So a little bit of a solo time, but that's about it.

I was dragging my feet on jumping back onto JC for no good reason until Doug reminded me that I am, in fact, a moron who needs as much help as he can get. So I'm all ears on anything you guys have. Speaking of which... I should probably post up a question I had. I'll do it in another thread.

Good to be back, and on the right side of the mic this time. I'll show you guys the secret password to get direct to FAF.
 
I had my PPL / Instrument when I went to ATP for my CMEL/CSEL. Happy to answer any questions via PM. I will say ATP does not spoon feed you. You need to bring solid study habits with you...being ATC though I assume you should be ok. Good luck!!
 
Best of luck! Hopefully the wx gods are nice to you starting out this time of year. Could be tricky trying to fly VFR every day up in SEA this time of year.
 
I look forward to hearing more about your progress. Not that my help is worth much, but I’ll always try.
 
Damn dude, what a life so far! Best of luck to you!

Honestly, if I make it to your position(just the ATC part), I'd probably do the same thing. I want to do a lot of things in life, but flying is what I have to do. Gotta follow your heart at the end of the day.
 
Good luck! Former ATP student and instructor here, feel free to PM if you have any questions. The best advice I can give is to start thinking and learning like a flight instructor from day one. Also, if you get sick of cancelled flight lessons due to the weather in SEA this time of year, seriously consider transferring to the IWA (Phoenix) location. Large group of great people and plenty of resources, not to mention Phoenix weather is great this time of year!
 
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