Season 2
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
Knowing what to do isn’t enough. 👉 You have to be able to say it—clearly, correctly, and without hesitation. In this episode, I break down how phraseology impacts your performance at the Academy and why communication is often the point where things start to break down. ⸻ 🧠 Key Takeaways • Phraseology is how you turn thinking into action • Hesitation and overcomplicating create problems fast • Clear, simple communication builds confidence and control 🎯 Simple Focus 👉 Practice saying it out loud 👉 Keep it simple 👉 Focus on clarity before speed 💬 Final Thought If it’s not communicated clearly… it doesn’t count. 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 . Thank you all for listening!
Working hard at the Academy isn’t enough. You need a plan. In this episode, I break down why many students feel busy but don’t see progress—and how a simple, focused plan can change that. Key Takeaways • Without a plan, you’re reacting—not improving • More studying doesn’t always mean better results • Progress comes from focusing on the right thing After each session, ask: 👉 What was the biggest issue? 👉 What caused it? 👉 What’s ONE thing I’ll focus on next time? A clear plan turns effort into progress. 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 . You can also text me at : 817-233-8199.
In this episode, I start a new series where I talk about the 6 Drivers, or main areas of focus, of ATC success. If you can get these 6 areas strong, then your likelihood of success at the Academy, and after the Academy, will go up immensely. Today, I looked at the first driver: Purpose. If you have a weak purpose, or haven't really thought about your "WHY", then it will be difficult to get past the tough times at the Academy and during your training. On the other hand, if you know your "WHY" and you remind yourself often of why you are in OKC, your chances of success will increase exponentially. That is why this is so important and why it is the first Driver. 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 .
In this episode, I talk about one of the quickest ways to lose confidence while you are in training: It's Comparison. Comparison makes you feel behind, even when you are improving. You're often comparing your worst moments to someone else's best. Confidence comes from progress, not comparison. The only comparison that matters is : Your performance today versus yesterday. Thank you all for listening! Have a great week! 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. Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
In this episode, I talk about mistakes and what you have to do after you make one. ALL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS MAKE MISTAKES! And every student who has EVER gone through the Academy has made mistakes too. Every Single One!! What separates the successful Academy students from those who are not successful is what happens after the mistake is made. This week I talk about some of the ways you can overcome making a mistake. Remember: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill Thank you all for listening! Have a great week! 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. Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .
In this episode, I talk about one of the most universal feelings for students at the Academy: the feeling that they are behind. It happens at some point for almost every student who has ever gone through the Academy. It doesn't matter which option you are going through or how much experience you may have, at some point you will feel behind. Remember: Slow is Smooth. Smooth is fast. - Navy Seals Fast is Slow. Slow is Smooth. Smooth is Fast. - Air Traffic Controllers Everyone will feel behind, the worst thing you can do is to try to speed up. Trust your processes. Trust your steps. Trust the work you have put in. When you feel behind, focus on 1 aircraft, 1 step, 1 action. Keep working 1 thing at a time until you are out of things to do. 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. Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .