The Side by Side ATC Podcast

The Side by Side ATC Podcast

di Tom Hanes
Miglioramento personale
Stagione 2
Academy Preparation - Success Starts Before Day 1
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
S2 · E43
29 giu 2026
27:23
The Journey and the Process- How the 4 Levels and the 6 Drivers Work Together
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 .
S2 · E42
22 giu 2026
46:33
The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control - Level 4 - CPC and Training Others
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 .
S2 · E41
15 giu 2026
43:37
The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control - Level 3 - First Facility Training - Where Learning Meets Reality
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 .
S2 · E40
8 giu 2026
44:00
The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control - Level 2 - The Academy: Where Preparation Meets Performance
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 .
S2 · E39
1 giu 2026
44:18
The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control- Level 1 - Pre-Academy
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 .
S2 · E38
25 mag 2026
34:01
The 4 Levels of Air Traffic Control- Introduction
Most people think the journey to becoming an air traffic controller is all about getting through the FAA Academy. But the truth is, there are multiple levels of growth in an ATC career — and each level brings new pressure, new expectations, and new opportunities to improve. In this episode, I introduce “The Four Levels of Air Traffic Control”: Pre-Academy Preparation, The Academy, First Facility Training, Becoming a CPC while helping train others. I also connect these levels back to the “6 Drivers of ATC Success” and discuss how Purpose, Plan, Phraseology, Practice, Picture, and Performance continue to repeat throughout a controller’s career. Whether you are waiting for a class date, currently at the Academy, or working through facility training, this episode will help you see the bigger picture of the ATC journey — and why growth in this profession is a continuous process, not a single moment of success. 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 .
S2 · E37
18 mag 2026
23:27
The 6 Drivers of ATC Success- Driver #6- Performance
Driver #6: Performance In this final episode of the “6 Drivers of ATC Success” series, we bring everything together. Success at the FAA Academy isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about performance under pressure. In this episode, we talk about: Why students struggle to perform when evaluations count How confidence is built through repetition The importance of preparation before the pressure hits Why simplifying your process improves performance How all 6 Drivers work together to help you succeed If you’ve got a class date coming up — or you’re already in the Academy — this episode is designed to help you perform when it matters most. 🎯 Download the free 90-Day Academy Success Blueprint in the show notes below. Don’t try to go through this ATC journey alone… walk alongside — Side by Side. 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 .
S2 · E36
11 mag 2026
38:20
The 6 Drivers of ATC Success- Driver #5 - Picture
In this episode, I talk about the "Big Picture". I talk about what it is, and WHAT IT IS NOT. I also talk about the picture you need to focus on while you are at the Academy or in training. It's basically this: Big Picture- NO Focused Picture- YES!! The "picture" that air traffic controllers use is not one the keeps the entire sector or airport in our heads. The "picture" controllers use is one that focuses on individual aircraft and how they fit with the aircraft around them. And we do it 1 aircraft at a time. At the Academy, this is SO important. You have to get away from trying to see the entire problem at once. You have to focus on 1 airplane, 1 strip, 1 data block at a time. The focus becomes finding the highest priority task you need to get done, doing it correctly, then finding the next highest priority task you have. And so on until the problem ends or you run out of tasks. Remember, it isn't the "Big" picture, it IS the "Focused" picture. Build your picture 1 task at a time. Thank you all for listening!! THIS IS THE 100th EPISODE!!! 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 .
S2 · E35
4 mag 2026
37:06
The 6 Drivers of ATC Success - Driver #4- Practice
At the FAA Academy, success isn’t about talent — it’s about how you practice. In this episode, I break down why practice is a key driver of success and how the right kind of repetition turns effort into results. You’ll learn why many students struggle despite working hard, what effective practice actually looks like, and how to prepare for the pressure of evaluations. Whether you’re getting ready for the Academy or already in it, this episode will help you make your practice count. 🎯 What You’ll Learn The difference between effective practice and wasted effort The 3 types of practice every student needs Common mistakes that slow students down How to build practice habits that lead to consistent improvement 🔑 Key Takeaway Practice isn’t just preparation — it’s what determines your performance. 📣 Need Help Getting It Right? If you want guidance on how to practice effectively and stay on track at the Academy, Side by Side ATC is built to walk you through it step by step. 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 .
S2 · E34
27 apr 2026
37:00
1 di 11