Real Life Controller

That's me! Today I actually controlled a couple of REAL aircraft. I went up into the tower for the first time - my first time in ANY tower. I was happy just to be there - then they told me to hop on position. I thought they were joking... Nope. So I was on local control for a few minutes. I had one plane in a pattern - he completed three "touch and go's" while I was on position. I cleared another aircraft for takeoff. He aborted the first time due to mechanical issues, but I cleared him a second time and off he went. I was able to jump in because it was a slow day, but the other controllers still helped out - making sure I knew what to say, etc. I was amazed at how closely our simulators in school resembled real-life. It was probably the most exciting moment for me so far - even better than graduation. I can't wait to do more. Chances are I'm going to wind up in radar, but I look forward to getting more time in the tower!

Beautiful Whidbey Island

Thought I'd post a few pictures. Note: these were all taken on base! The weather has been a little grey and gloomy the last couple days, but I was able to sneak a few great shots during the sun breaks. (click to see full size) Enjoy...


Saturday Evening:





Tuesday Evening - Control Tower and Mt. Baker



Sunset on Tuesday:

From Graduation to Duty Station

I feel bad.  It's been so long since my last post.  Obviously I've graduated by now and I'm even on Whidbey Island!  I took a little bit of leave before driving up here.  Graduation was great - everything went pretty smooth.  It was tough to leave behind classmates and good friends, but on to a new chapter...

I've been here on NAS (Naval Air Station) Whidbey Island since late friday afternoon.  Things are much more laid back and already it seems like a regular nine-to-five.  There was a little culture shock coming from a training command, but not nearly as much as from RTC (boot camp) to Pensacola.  It's certainly a small community.  If it weren't for all of the outdoor activities - hiking, camping, snowboarding, fishing, etc. - I imagine life here would be very dull.  I'm looking forward to making new friends and really starting air traffic control!

Last Days

Waiting.  That's really all we're doing now.  After returning from holiday leave, we finished up our last test: Arrival.  The arrival controllers direct aircraft within close proximity (15-20 miles) to the airport and hand them off to either the ASR or PAR controller for final approach.  The primary goal is to put arriving aircraft into a pattern and line them up for a smooth handoff.  Of course the most important part is maintaining proper separation between aircraft.  I was a little worried about this test (P-Run) due to the fact that we had such a long break right beforehand.  However, the instructors took all factors into account and I pulled out a 100!

Graduation is in two days.  Normally, my class would be in flight planning right now.  I don't know much about it, though.  We had such little time before graduation that we are skipping it.  Instead we tested out a new simulator - it was cake.  Like I said, we're really just waiting around to graduate.  We spend most of our time in the flight planning room - goofing off.  It's nice to be the grad class!

It'll be tough to leave.  It's funny - up until now I couldn't wait to get out of here.  This past week has been so much fun, though.  I'm really going to miss my friends here.  I'm sure I'll be back for C-School (more specific, advanced training) at some point.  I can safely say that I will be looking forward to it.  I have a ton of packing, but I'll keep this updated as I travel to Whidbey Island, WA.  I'll be on leave again for 7 or 8 days before I get there.  See you on the flip side!