Does it appear to some of you that there appears to be a disconnect between "some" of the experienced controllers and "some" of the controllers-in-training and controllers-to-be? I read a lot of posts on here and often wonder where this stems from. Some current, experienced controllers complain about the state of affairs in ATC with new, inexperienced controllers. I, being a "general public" candidate (I HATE this OTS tag. It has a negative connotation to me), have a few questions for experienced controllers. Before I pose these questions, I want to supply some background on myself. I have flown a couple times and have always been huge on aviation. I have a BS in Political Science and History. I am in my second year of graduate school working on my MBA and MS in Management.
Most of us know that the ATC workforce is in transition. This is the same for the government as a whole. The older workforce now or will have in the next few years the option for retirement. For experienced controllers on this site, I often comprehend their views as being overly negative about the industry and sometimes about the people who will be replacing them. I find it interesting too that some of these experienced controllers who criticize either the quality of the applicants or what FAA academy teaches them were in the same position. Let's not forget that many of these controllers who were hired after the strike did not often have the same level of qualifications this new wave of controllers-to-be have (i.e. advanced and college degrees, some college, CTI, military, real-work experience). Sure, I for one don't have any aviation experience, but should that disqualify me for doing something I am passionate about?
The real issue here is that many ATC's may be pissed with the forced labor contract and possibly staffing shortages/pay reductions. I am in full agreement with you there, but please keep in mind that this new wave may never see the amount of money many older controllers enjoy(ed). Hopefully, but it's unlikely. In terms of the shortages, the FAA has to do something and they're doing it, maybe not in the smoothest, fastest, or efficient time we would like, but they're addressing the problem.
It's easy to pick and broadcast on those who did not make it in their facility. If I didn't know any better after looking at some of these posts, I would not believe that anyone could make it. We always dwell on the negative. Focus on what's positive and what you're doing to improve the situation. Why sit and moan about every single thing when you can do something productive about it. If not, why even still stay in the industry, stay in the academy, or stay in the application process?
I know what I'll hear from some about you haven't experienced it yet or just wait. You know what, I'll do just that and make a rationale decision from my own perspectives. As much as I would like to become an Air Traffic Controller, if everyday I walked into a place I just could not stand b/c of the conditions, pay, etc., I would give it up in a heartbeat. This applies to any job. I believe that I, and many others, in this new wave of controllers-to-be could have fallbacks, especially since our education and work experiences are so diverse.
These posts are informative, even the negative ones because it lets you know what's really going on with some of the workforce and the issues they hold. The FAA is not perfect and have made many blunders, but like it or not, they're your employers. This isn't to say you give in to every dumb idea they have. Speak up for what you believe in and help the newer generation out, which I know many of you have done. We are grateful, but don't trash the industry now just because you may or may not decide it's not in your immediate future. There was a reason you chose this path and cont'd to perform this job for the years you have. What was that reason? Things change all the time, but it's time for you all to step up for us. Like I said before, this thing is bigger than all of us. In 25-30 years, us newer controllers will have to do the same for the next generation when it's our time.
Comments please!
Most of us know that the ATC workforce is in transition. This is the same for the government as a whole. The older workforce now or will have in the next few years the option for retirement. For experienced controllers on this site, I often comprehend their views as being overly negative about the industry and sometimes about the people who will be replacing them. I find it interesting too that some of these experienced controllers who criticize either the quality of the applicants or what FAA academy teaches them were in the same position. Let's not forget that many of these controllers who were hired after the strike did not often have the same level of qualifications this new wave of controllers-to-be have (i.e. advanced and college degrees, some college, CTI, military, real-work experience). Sure, I for one don't have any aviation experience, but should that disqualify me for doing something I am passionate about?
The real issue here is that many ATC's may be pissed with the forced labor contract and possibly staffing shortages/pay reductions. I am in full agreement with you there, but please keep in mind that this new wave may never see the amount of money many older controllers enjoy(ed). Hopefully, but it's unlikely. In terms of the shortages, the FAA has to do something and they're doing it, maybe not in the smoothest, fastest, or efficient time we would like, but they're addressing the problem.
It's easy to pick and broadcast on those who did not make it in their facility. If I didn't know any better after looking at some of these posts, I would not believe that anyone could make it. We always dwell on the negative. Focus on what's positive and what you're doing to improve the situation. Why sit and moan about every single thing when you can do something productive about it. If not, why even still stay in the industry, stay in the academy, or stay in the application process?
I know what I'll hear from some about you haven't experienced it yet or just wait. You know what, I'll do just that and make a rationale decision from my own perspectives. As much as I would like to become an Air Traffic Controller, if everyday I walked into a place I just could not stand b/c of the conditions, pay, etc., I would give it up in a heartbeat. This applies to any job. I believe that I, and many others, in this new wave of controllers-to-be could have fallbacks, especially since our education and work experiences are so diverse.
These posts are informative, even the negative ones because it lets you know what's really going on with some of the workforce and the issues they hold. The FAA is not perfect and have made many blunders, but like it or not, they're your employers. This isn't to say you give in to every dumb idea they have. Speak up for what you believe in and help the newer generation out, which I know many of you have done. We are grateful, but don't trash the industry now just because you may or may not decide it's not in your immediate future. There was a reason you chose this path and cont'd to perform this job for the years you have. What was that reason? Things change all the time, but it's time for you all to step up for us. Like I said before, this thing is bigger than all of us. In 25-30 years, us newer controllers will have to do the same for the next generation when it's our time.
Comments please!