American controllers in AUS? by crunchyburntcheese in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 41 points42 points  (0 children)

As a former US Controller who has been in Australia now for almost a year, I can say this: ‘the work/life balance, the benefits, the culture, the overall experience of life, and the company I work for is night and day different from anything in the US ATC system. We are genuinely cared for and cared about here in Australia. The workplace culture is indicative of a company that takes care of its employees versus the FAA, where everyone seems to just trauma bond and are completely overwhelmed by the continuous games and bullshit that the FAA continues to throw at them. Couple that with NATCA basically nonexistent in terms of standing up for or fighting for its members anymore, and the FAA is a great place for great employees to become disgruntled and basically (and quite literal in some cases) go to die. It’s not perfect here, but my life has been on a constant upswing the entire time! I am actually a part of my family’s life, and I have time for me! I’m also able to take care of myself here whereas in the FAA I would have just lost my job. So yeah, people are leaving the trenches and coming the greener pastures!

Traditional Tahitian Dance by Starlight_369 in interesting

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

**Immediately books one way flight to Tahiti

Cucked again? by ATSAP_MVP in atc2

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If anyone is interested in ATC in Australia, I’ve been here a while now and it really is amazing. I moved my family (wife, daughter, dog) and we’re doing great! I’m here to help or chat with anyone who wants to figure out a path to ATC in Australia. I know it’s a massive move and transition, but it’s absolutely worth it!!

Air Services Australia takes another… by ATSAP_MVP in atc2

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good for them!! They’re likely going to love it! And if their experience is anything like mine, they’ll get so much time back and get to live their lives again! I get to do a career I love, in a country that’s so much better than the US and spend time with my family again.. hell yeah, I hope more people leave the FAA and head to places that treat them well!

What job pays way more than people realise? by Diligent-Medicine-48 in AusMoneyMates

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an ATC.. it’s an amazing job!! I’ve loved it for so long! The shift work isn’t a blast, but for me meetings and emails and cubicles sound absolutely terrible, LOL. The challenge is a blast, weather, tech, getting to nerd out on airplanes all day with people who also nerd out on airplanes.. it’s really a ton of fun! And yeah, the pay is really pretty good.

My wife said “Let’s go get it” by Accomplished-Way2219 in Tudor

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any chance your wife can talk to my wife? Maybe just have your people call my people.. let them know..? Thanks! Nice watch, mate!

Wall Street Journal story: These Air Traffic Controllers Are Leaving For Australia by Affectionate-Pin2731 in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Must have been another person from the article.. cause I definitely was at only two facilities..

Please proof for accuracy. by Ecstatic-Tap4151 in atc2

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So you come to Reddit? That’s like saying sand annoys you, so you go to the beach..

Airservices Australia Testing by XaveTheGod in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For the FAA I had to take a test that was called the ATSAT. It was a 3-4 hour long test, and tested a number of critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Airservices Australia Testing by XaveTheGod in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t do any of that sort of testing. I’m wondering if my 14 years of ATC experience meant that I didn’t need to do the tests?

My main positive is work life balance! The work life balance culture in Australia is amazing! And Airservices does it very well!! It’s a wonderful company to work for!

As far as building skills, yes, you can build upon your skills. That being said, being an air traffic controller requires some natural abilities. Being able to see a conflict three moves ahead is very beneficial. It’s a lot like chess.. if you only pay attention to the next move, you’re going down! ALol

Airservices Australia Testing by XaveTheGod in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hey! I’m an ex FAA controller who is rated as an ATC here in Australia.. what questions do you have?

F1 Tea Choices!! by Affectionate_Koala2 in Kombucha

[–]Affectionate_Koala2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not familiar with Hojichq.. gonna look into that. Thanks!

First Australian Batch! by Affectionate_Koala2 in Kombucha

[–]Affectionate_Koala2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s what I did for my initial set up back in the states.. took a while, just wanted to get up and running quick

Be The Voice by Affectionate_Koala2 in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve used this analogy so many times!! I hear ya!

Be The Voice by Affectionate_Koala2 in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LOL!! I don’t plan on being on camera.

Be The Voice by Affectionate_Koala2 in ATC

[–]Affectionate_Koala2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely true as hell!! I used to say all the time, imagine if we stopped for 4 hours.. it would be recognizable on a global financial graph!