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The Side by Side ATC Podcast

The Side by Side ATC Podcast

by Tom Hanes

Self-Improvement

Season 2

The Learning Tool : Learning How to Learn in ATC

Every air traffic controller starts with an empty tool belt. Some fill that tool belt faster than others—not because they're smarter, but because they've learned how to learn. In this episode, we begin building the first tool in the Learning Toolbox: The Learning Tool. While many students focus on what they need to study, successful controllers also develop how they learn. That skill becomes the foundation for every other tool they'll add throughout their careers. Whether you're waiting on an Academy class date, preparing for your first day, training at your first facility, or mentoring the next generation of controllers, the ability to learn efficiently is one of the most valuable tools you'll ever develop. In This Episode Why learning is the foundation of every successful ATC career. The difference between collecting information and developing understanding. Why successful controllers never stop learning. Five practical techniques to become a better learner. How the Learning Tool develops throughout all Four Levels of your career. • How this tool connects to the Six Drivers of ATC 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 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 Hardest Thing About the FAA Academy- Part 1 _ Replay

This is a replay of a previous episode. I am still dealing with a herniated disk and will be out of commission this week. I hope to be back next week to start discussing Tools You Need for Your ATC Tool Belt. On today's episode, I talk about what I have seen as the hardest thing for students at the FAA Academy. I talk about the amount of information you, as students, will be required to absorb and to know. Then, I talk about the hardest thing: NERVES! Join me as I give you some tips about handling nerves while you are at the Academy. Let me know what you think. Leave me a comment about the show or about a question you have that you would like me to talk about on a future show. 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 .

Building Your ATC Tool Belt: One Tool at a time

Every great air traffic controller starts in the same place—with an empty tool belt. The difference isn’t natural talent. It isn’t luck. And it isn’t having all the answers before training begins. The difference is a commitment to continually adding new tools throughout your career. In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series focused on building the tools that help aspiring controllers succeed—not only at the FAA Academy, but throughout their entire careers. We’ll introduce the philosophy behind the ATC Tool Belt, explain how each tool develops through the Four Levels of an ATC career, show how the Six Drivers help organize your growth, and discuss why the Success Cycle is the process that turns experience into improvement. This episode lays the foundation for everything that follows. ⸻ In This Episode Why every successful controller builds an ATC Tool Belt What qualifies as a “tool” The difference between learning topics and building tools How the Four Levels shape your development How the Six Drivers help you focus your growth Why every tool is developed through the Success Cycle What to expect from the Building Your ATC Tool Belt series ⸻ 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

Phraseology Is King - Replay

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

Academy Preparation- The Most Important Tool in Your ATC Tool Belt

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

Academy Preparation: The ATC Tool Belt - What it is and Why You Need It

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

Academy Preparation - What Should I be Doing While Waiting for My Class Date?

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

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

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 .

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 .

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