Temporada 2
This is a replay of one of the first episodes from September 2024. I am having to do this replay as I am laid up with a pinched nerve and unable to get upstairs to my office. Hopefully, I will be back in time for next week. Until then here are the notes from the original episode with the current contact info. Have a great week! 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 To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20
What’s the most important tool an aspiring air traffic controller can develop? It isn’t phraseology. It isn’t radar. It isn’t separation. It’s learning how to learn. Every technical skill you’ll develop at the Academy depends on your ability to learn efficiently, recover from mistakes, and continually improve. In this episode, we explore why learning itself is a skill and introduce the Success Cycle that will help you build every future tool in your ATC Tool Belt. In This Episode Why learning is the foundation of every other ATC skill Common study mistakes Academy students make Better ways to learn and retain information Introducing the Success Cycle:Test Fail Learn Improve Re-enter Why failure is part of the learning process—not the end of it Thank you for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20
Every professional has a tool belt. Mechanics, electricians, carpenters, surgeons—they all rely on a collection of tools they’ve developed over years of experience. Air traffic controllers are no different. In this episode, you’ll discover the philosophy behind the Side by Side ATC ATC Tool Belt and why it will become one of the most valuable concepts throughout your Academy training and career. You’ll learn why success isn’t about collecting information—it’s about intentionally building the skills, habits, mindsets, and processes you’ll rely on every day as a controller. Whether you’re still waiting on a class date or preparing to report to the Academy, your tool belt starts today. In This Episode Why every profession depends on a well-built tool belt What an ATC Tool Belt really is The difference between technical tools and professional tools How your tool belt grows through all Four Levels of your ATC career Why you’ll never stop adding tools—even after becoming a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) How Side by Side ATC is designed to help you build your tool belt one tool at a time Success Cycle Challenge This week, identify one area of your preparation that could become another tool in your belt. Write it down and intentionally begin developing it. FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20
Waiting for an FAA Academy class date can be exciting, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming. Instead of simply counting down the days, what if you used that time to build the habits and foundation that will help you succeed once training begins? In this episode of the Academy Preparation series, we discuss practical ways to prepare while waiting for your class date. From finances and family conversations to study habits, health, and personal development, you’ll learn how to make the most of the time before the Academy. Preparation isn’t about trying to learn everything before you arrive—it’s about becoming the kind of person who is ready to succeed when the opportunity comes. FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20
Many future air traffic controllers believe their journey begins when they arrive at the FAA Academy. In reality, success starts long before Day 1. The habits, mindset, preparation, and discipline you develop before your class date can have a tremendous impact on your Academy experience. In this episode, we launch the new Academy Preparation series by discussing why preparation is about much more than studying phraseology or memorizing procedures. We’ll explore how the 6 Drivers of ATC Success begin long before the Academy and how intentional preparation can reduce stress, build confidence, and position you for success. Whether you’re waiting for a class date or just beginning your ATC journey, this episode will help you start preparing today for the career you want tomorrow. Thank you for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20
Over the past few months, I’ve explored two important frameworks on The Side by Side ATC Podcast: The 6 Drivers of ATC Success and The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control. In this episode, I bring those frameworks together and show how they work hand in hand throughout an air traffic controller’s career. The 4 Levels—Pre-Academy, Academy, First Facility Training, and CPC & Training Others—represent the journey. The 6 Drivers—Purpose, Plan, Phraseology, Practice, Picture, and Performance—represent the process that helps you move successfully from one level to the next. While the challenges change at each stage, the fundamentals of success remain the same. Whether you’re preparing for a class date, attending the Academy, training at your first facility, or already a CPC, this episode will help you identify where you are in the journey and which driver may be the key to reaching the next level. Success in ATC isn’t about mastering one stage—it’s about consistently applying the fundamentals throughout your career. FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Coupon Code for $200 off any program: Founders20 Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
Achieving certification as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) is a major milestone, but it is not the end of the journey. In this final episode of The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control series, I explore Level 4: CPC & Training Others and discuss how success in ATC evolves from developing yourself to helping develop the next generation of controllers. I examine how the 6 Drivers of ATC Success—Purpose, Plan, Phraseology, Practice, Picture, and Performance—continue to grow throughout a controller’s career. As a CPC, the focus shifts from simply learning the operation to contributing to it through leadership, professionalism, mentorship, and training. Whether you are a student, developmental, CPC, or instructor, this episode is a reminder that success in air traffic control is not a destination but a continuous process of growth. The controllers who make the greatest impact are often those who invest in helping others succeed along the way. Thank you for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
Graduating from the FAA Academy is a major accomplishment, but it is only the beginning of the next phase of the journey. In this episode of The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control series, we explore Level 3: First Facility Training and discuss the transition from Academy graduate to developmental controller working toward certification. You’ll learn: Why many trainees are surprised by the challenges of facility training, How the 6 Drivers of ATC Success continue to apply in a real-world operational environment, and What separates successful developmentals from those who struggle. We also discuss the importance of coachability, consistency, and developing the ability to see and anticipate traffic rather than simply applying memorized procedures. Whether you’re preparing to leave the Academy, currently training at your first facility, or mentoring someone who is, this episode will help you better understand one of the most important and challenging stages of an air traffic controller’s career. Thank you all for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
The FAA Academy is where preparation meets performance. After spending weeks, months, or even years preparing for this opportunity, students quickly discover that success at the Academy requires more than intelligence or determination alone. The pace is fast, the expectations are high, and the pressure to perform is real. In this episode of The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control series, we explore Level 2: The Academy and discuss how the 6 Drivers of ATC Success—Purpose, Plan, Phraseology, Practice, Picture, and Performance—become critical tools for navigating one of the most challenging phases of an air traffic controller’s journey. You’ll learn why the Academy doesn’t create success—it reveals preparation. Whether you’re preparing for a class date, currently attending the Academy, or looking back on your own training experience, this episode will help you understand what separates successful students from those who struggle and why the habits developed before Day 1 continue to matter throughout your ATC career. Thank you all for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
Most people think preparation for the FAA Academy starts on Day 1 in Oklahoma City. In reality, the first level of becoming a successful air traffic controller begins long before you ever walk through the Academy doors. In this episode, I talk about “Level 1 – Pre-Academy” and why the habits, mindset, and preparation you build before training can have a major impact on your future success. I also connect this first level to the “6 Drivers of ATC Success” and discuss how Purpose, Plan, Phraseology, Practice, Picture, and Performance all begin developing before formal training even starts. The students who succeed most consistently are often the ones who arrive prepared mentally, emotionally, and academically before the pressure of the Academy begins. If you are waiting for a class date, attending ATC school, or preparing for the next step in your journey, this episode will help you understand how to start building the foundation for long-term success in air traffic control. FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .