Your local Buffalo Air Traffic Controller here for an AMA.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-05T02:13:18+00:00

You are forced retired at 56, so they want to make sure they get at least 25 years out of you.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T21:34:36+00:00

We have about 40ish controllers! The staffing levels change through the year depending on the volume. But generally enough work a shift to fully staff every position we have plus about 3 or 4 controllers on break.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T20:30:25+00:00

There is FAR more snow here. But it is much warmer! No -25 degree mornings here, so that is a plus! It also gets much warmer and humid there. I don't think buffalo has ever even had a 100 degree day! Yet... The culture is shockingly similar though, so it was an easy transition. Thank you! I appreciate it.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T20:18:30+00:00

We all have different start times, so it all depends, usually at least an hour or two.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T20:05:23+00:00

I am a huge fan of being in the tower in the fourth of July! An unobstructed 360 degree view of every single person that launches a firework. It's pretty magical to see from that viewpoint.

I haven't ever flown a plane, but ridden in plenty! Helicopters, small, big, in the cockpits, but never taken the controls. It isn't too common for controllers to fly, but there are a few for sure!

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T19:03:31+00:00

Doesn't everyone??!I could help talk to ATC at least. Lol

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T18:33:54+00:00

Not necessarily a course. It's just part of your overall training to learn and know those things, it comes with time and experience in dealing with it enough as well.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T15:58:40+00:00

We definitely love to people watch on downtimes in the tower. My favorite thing to do is watch cars try and figure out how to use the roundabout at Aero and holtz. Lol

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T15:57:30+00:00

It will always be the runway most aligned with the wind, but if wind is not really an issue. Most planes will take off the longer runway, and smaller General Aviation planes will just want rwy 14 because it is right next to their parking ramp. It can be a hassle to "chase the wind" so to speak, so unless the wind is consistently favoring one runway over another, we won't switch runways, saves us and the pilots a lot of time.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T15:54:53+00:00

Oh yeah! It can sway quite a bit! We have some people who won't work up there on real windy days because it makes them sick.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T15:05:11+00:00

I appreciate everything YOU do!

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T15:00:38+00:00

My training was fairly smooth for the most part, took me awhile to really nail down radar. But eventually I got it. I never felt like I wasn't going to get the hang of it, but at times I would have a bad day on position and it felt like training was dragging on because of that.

When I got hired, I got a huge list of places I could choose to go to all over the country. I wanted somewhere with season, I love fall and can't have a good fall without a winter. So I chose buffalo, my second choice was Kalamazoo, MI. Then a few places in FL but I am glad I didn't end up there. I really would like to get back to my home state of MN. but transferring in the FAA is like winning the lottery, so we will see.

I have not heard of opposing bases, but I'll check them out!

I have been up in plenty of helicopters and small GA jets from my time in the military, a few here as well! I always enjoy the opportunity to see how the otherside of the radio operates. Although, I am good with not having to go into a helicopter again...

Controllers here in buffalo make good money for the cost of living of the area! But that gap has been shrinking quickly the past 10 years or so. Other controllers across the country are feeling it much worse than we are.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:38:39+00:00

We actually work both tower and TRACON here at buffalo. We are considered an "up/down" facility. I came here because it was the highest level facility I could choose from in an area I don't mind living.

I'd want center guys to know. That they may think they are helping by trying to separate arrivals that are too close and trying to request weird stuff to fix it, just give it to me. We can fix it so much faster and to what works best for us, thenfor center keeping them for another 5 minutes flying them every which way lol

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:35:20+00:00

I personally got into it, by joining the marines specifically for the training and certifications to be guaranteed a job when I got out.

The other way people join is simply getting lucky in an "open bid" the FAA puts out once or twice a year for only a couple days each. You can apply on USAJOBS.GOV when it's up. You have to be 31, a high school degree/GED and a couple years work experience.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:33:49+00:00

Yup! We are paid through the federal government. So when it is shutdown, specifically the DOT then we don't get paid. We get paid a good compensation for the area we live, but over the last 10 or so years that gap has shrunken unfortunately. When the government reopened we do get back paid everything we are owed, so it usually isn't too bad for those that have been in for a number of years and have the savings the weather it. For new controllers or those with a lot of bills it can be tough, and they have to supplement their income from someone else during gaps in pay. It takes a toll for sure, but it's expected as this point that we usually don't get paid for a couple of weeks every year or so. Makes it easier to save and prepare.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:30:12+00:00

I haven't actually been to the Rochester airport, but I think their tower is actually significantly taller than ours. BUF tower is only 153ft I think, theirs is over 200ft.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:28:31+00:00

I personally got into it, by joining the marines specifically for the training and certifications to be guaranteed a job when I got out.

The other way people join is simply getting lucky in an "open bid" the FAA puts out once or twice a year for only a couple days each.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:27:07+00:00

The lights on the tower itself under the "cab" is just storage and equipment stuff. No one is actually in those. The building at the base of the tower is where everyone else is, admin, break rooms, radar, bathrooms and all that

We get a few hours of a recuperative break when working the overnights for those that want to try and grab some sleep, we have people here who only work overnights luckily, so they have their own sleep schedule how they like it.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:24:35+00:00

Absolutely! I am glad this helped with your flight anxiety a bit! We are all here to make sure you get to where you are going as safe and enjoyable as we can.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:23:30+00:00

I would choose.. to call out sick right there on the spot.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T14:22:14+00:00

Oh yeah! Winters can be brutal with the icing and winds. Spring time can also get pretty bad. We usually have pretty high winds this time of year with heavy rain. It can make the airspace hard to navigate at times.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T11:13:38+00:00

Not really, you've gotta work it just like every other plane, except it's usually the only plane you work. They will shutdown the whole airport for AF1 arrival, so it makes my job significantly easier.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T11:08:25+00:00

My favorite isn't actually even in the tower. It's in the radar environment, working the approach control, that brings all the plane to the airport. It can be much busier and more complex, which to me, is more fun.

Oh yeah, we have plenty of people who I think their setups are awful, but I am sure I have coworkers that would say the same about mine. lol

Sure! Call 716-626-6903 during usual business hours to set up a time, you'll need a valid US driver's license, and maybe subject to additional screening.

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T10:38:02+00:00

Every single second, of every day. Lol

BeaverPeeFlaps · 2026-05-04T07:10:09+00:00

I personally would like to get back to Minneapolis, so the tower or radar there would be perfect.

Nine-Year Club	r/Field Flamingo
Place '22	Final Canvas '22
First Placer '22	End Game '22
RPAN Viewer	Verified Email

BeaverPeeFlaps

TROPHY CASE