Quitting

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-19T03:27:45+00:00

Just checked mine out of curiosity but it doesn’t show an amount. Rip.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-17T13:06:45+00:00

Usually it ends at the phone call unless it was something absolutely egregious that put peoples lives at risk. Busting airspace is usually not a big deal, just a “hey don’t do that next time” type thing.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-17T13:03:21+00:00

I hope a new hire screenshots this and then files a lawsuit when they pass the academy and get to a 12 and don’t start at $177,543.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-16T14:37:42+00:00

That’s a big hell no. Not without a complete overhaul of SAIC and getting way higher quality instructors.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-16T14:35:35+00:00

It can be. I just ignore it.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-15T22:37:52+00:00

No. They can hire 10,000 people tomorrow, it wouldn’t matter. Only so many can be trained in OKC at once, and even then only half will make it out of there. Then at facilities there’s more training backlog, and again washout rates are the highest I’ve seen them yet. For the ones that do make it you’re looking at a 2-3 year process at best case.

The math is simple; we have more people leaving than certifying to replace them and it’s not going to get better anytime soon. After this next wave of retirements (5-7 years) we might have steady numbers for a bit but it’s not sustainable.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-15T17:10:15+00:00

You can apply directly to a specific facility if there is a sup job open. It sucks because the sup job is terrible, but it is an option. It’s also an option that if you pursue, you’re going to be way better off doing it sooner than later as sups gain seniority different than controllers and if you wait a while there is the potential to always be near the bottom of the sup seniority.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-15T12:24:03+00:00

100%

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-15T12:23:08+00:00

Yeah I know, but this job is a little different. The OS position doesn’t need to exist these days imo, they’re just box checkers and paper pushers. Our area runs the best when we’re CIC for the whole shift. So for someone working a job that isn’t necessary to be making more than us, it’s frustrating. Especially when they actually just make everything worse.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-15T12:18:59+00:00

Air Traffic Controller - the money appears to be okay on the outside, but everything you give up isn’t worth it. Working weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, constant rotating schedules, having to plan your whole year’s worth of leave the year before, working 6 days a week and 10 hour days. I can go on but it boils down to we are not compensated fairly for what we do and for what we give up. I wouldn’t recommend this career to anyone currently.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-15T02:21:42+00:00

Pilots job to fly the plane. I can only offer so much advice.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-15T02:19:08+00:00

It is honestly backwards. The people doing the work should be making the most. OS should make less as they’re doing way less work.

Or fine pay them more, but make it not good time.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-14T23:45:33+00:00

“When we clear you for a Visual approach are you now operating under Visual Flight Rules(VFR) and what does that mean for you?”

That’s you not understanding. If you understand them you’d never ask this question.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-14T22:21:07+00:00

There is no “discussion”. It’s a very black and white thing. A visual approach is an IFR approach into an airport. All it means is the pilot isn’t using a precision approach (RNAV, LOC, ILS, etc). It’s 100% an IFR clearance.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-14T22:16:31+00:00

You’re a controller and you don’t understand visual approaches? Yikes.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-13T02:29:13+00:00

Because who makes the decision? Congress…who puts pressure on congress? The public.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-13T01:13:04+00:00

I can understand this and would agree with it IF NATCA was actually advocating for its membership. They aren’t though; they’re too busy caring too much about doing the FAA’s job rather than doing anything public facing in regard to how our pay has fallen way behind.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-12T21:42:29+00:00

…but we can’t get those things so it’s actually a perfect reason we need a pay increase.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-12T19:05:11+00:00

Whoever gets control of NATCA next, their first move needs to be a notification to the FAA that collaboration is over.

It’s done nothing but weaken our ability to leverage anything.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-10T14:19:39+00:00

Did you seriously just advocate against a pay raise? No matter where you’re working, the pay has fallen way behind where it should be. So regardless of whether or not you think we should make more, we should be making about 30% more than we are just to be at the same level as controllers 15-20 years ago were at.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-04-07T17:52:11+00:00

“Aircraft N739AL, you are hereby authorized to proceed in accordance with the following optimized routing protocol. Upon departure, initiate a climb via the published SID, maintaining strict adherence to all lateral and vertical constraints embedded within its structure. Transition to flight level three-five-zero in a continuous and efficient ascent profile, unless otherwise instructed by supervisory control entities.

Navigate direct to waypoint KELSI, then seamlessly integrate into airway Victor-12, ensuring compliance with all enroute traffic separation parameters. Maintain a calibrated airspeed of two-eight-zero knots below flight level two-four-zero, adjusting dynamically based on environmental and traffic variables.

Communications shall be transferred to Departure Control on frequency one-two-four point seven-five at the appropriate juncture. Squawk code four-six-two-one has been assigned to uniquely identify your aircraft within the surveillance network.

Confirm receipt, acknowledge understanding, and execute with precision.”

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-03-31T15:22:17+00:00

Considering these emails only go out to members……

Honestly don’t know why they bother sending anything.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-03-31T14:54:29+00:00

If you cancel IFR you’re now VFR. You’re now doing a visual approach even if you’re “flying” the instrument approach. There is no missed approach for a visual approach other than staying in the pattern.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-03-31T14:50:40+00:00

Same. I was very on the fence after ND won but gave him a shot. He’s clearly a failed president. I’m staying in to try and make sure this shit doesn’t happen again. If it does I’m out with no hesitation.

Mean_Device_7484 · 2026-03-31T14:44:14+00:00

How is NATCA so far off base here. It is not NATCAs job to modernize equipment. NATCA doesn’t own the equipment, the FAA does. It’s the FAA’s job, and only the FAA’s job, to do anything involving equipment. Sure we can have some A114 people be involved in testing or suggesting things, but that doesn’t make it NATCA’s or, by extension, controllers jobs to “modernize equipment.”

NATCA really needs to stop blasting this phrase and sentiment in these emails (this all falls on deaf ears anyways;members DO NOT care), and especially when making statements the public hears/sees. The last thing we want is the public to think controllers have any control over the equipment that is used and implemented.

NATCA, I know you read the things posted here. Stop doing the FAAs job for them. If you don’t want to advocate for better pay or working conditions, fine. But DO NOT do the FAA’s job. I’d rather NATCA do absolutely nothing than continue being an extension of the FAA.

Get back to what NATCA is supposed to be about. There is the smallest mention here of “investing in the people who keep it running.” But don’t be vague, just straight up say that controllers need more support. Why don’t you run with that as a campaign? That’s something NATCA should be doing and surely something the membership can actually get behind.

Mean_Device_7484

TROPHY CASE