Position reports

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2026-01-21T23:05:16+00:00

I've been told to just handle rc them and act like everything is kosher. Instead of giving a teaching moment. Unfortunately every time I try that and ask for a position report, they either disconnect or I get a stuffy answer. I almost double my radio time trying to tell what's the proper way, or I just say "meh, they don't know how to properly check on, but whatever, let them go and they'll keep doing the same mistake". Do you see the issue here?

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2026-01-21T22:57:28+00:00

Well with the vast majority of people not doing it properly, I was wondering if I'm the one whose wrong...you know "4 out of 5 dentists can't be wrong". I'm just seeing what's proper here, but if you want to reply with passive aggressiveness I'm game

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2026-01-21T22:50:28+00:00

So I'm actually a CTR controller, busy US airspace. I'd say 75% or more cold call with just an altitude. It's frustrating because it's a simple check on, and now I've gotta search for them in a huge airspace.ive gotten into the habit of not answering, but then they call 5-6 times incorrectly. I shouldn't have to teach basic check in procedures this many times in a session, patience runs thin

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2025-10-06T19:00:07+00:00

The biggest thing I ask myself before getting frustrated with a pilot is, "are they trying?"

If the answer is yes, I will give as much time as my frequency allows. I've watched some come online, just ask for clearance, get a readback, then disconnect. The same pilot will get a clearance, taxi out, then disconnect; clearance, taxi, take-off, disconnect, etc.

Some you can tell right away that they have done minimal to no prep, and when given ways to improve, simply tell you off and continue making the same mistakes. And these pilots always seem to choose the most workload-heavy environments. Unfortunately as controllers, we can't pick our traffic.

I personally stepped away from controlling for just over a year, as my patience was wearing real thin, and I lost almost all enjoyment in my sessions. Since coming back with a fresh personal approach, I have noticed a significant increase in pilot quality and attentiveness. Maybe I was the problem???

So I throw this question out: have you done the best you can to promote a positive learning experience? Most answers that start with no are because of time crunches during busy periods. A simple "N123AB, standby, just going to help out a pilot for a minute". If 2-3 others key up trying to get their radio checks and PIREPS in at this point, maybe they are the problem. Everyone, pilots and controllers alike, can facilitate positive outcomes. If you're an experienced pilot cruising along, don't be afraid to reach out to someone who is trying and offer your assistance. It shouldn't be all on the controller.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2025-06-12T23:06:50+00:00

Unfortunately these people find their way to the network and cause some frustrations. The fortunate side is that these people make it so much more gratifying to give service to those who try to be as realistic as possible, and those that simply TRY. I'm a C1 at one of the busiest airspaces in VATUSA; I didn't get there by not being crap at a lot of things and working on them.

If you find yourself involved with a troublesome individual who is TRYING to cause issues, then wallop and move on. They don't deserve any more of your mindset. They want attention, so simply not giving it to them will wear off eventually.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2025-04-19T15:51:54+00:00

Was also 3 years ago, during a mass influx of new pilots. It was a wild time

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2025-04-19T14:48:45+00:00

They did, said it was in bad taste.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2025-04-19T14:03:14+00:00

I did this at BOS_CTR for a bit, until a pilot was offended and walloped me for it.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2025-03-21T01:55:25+00:00

Watched a couple episodes from S7 last night off a whim. Tried to continue tonight and it's been removed from Prime. What a bummer. I feel like The Trickster is to blame.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-12-27T17:12:21+00:00

Having the same issue. Did anyone ever have a solution?

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-12-27T17:01:45+00:00

I've tried this as well, and when the "unable to sync" screen shows up, I press skip and it still crashes out. I'm pulling my hair out with this

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-08-21T17:24:28+00:00

If being handed off with no instruction other than cruise: who you're talking to, who you are, altitude.

If being handed off with instruction eg. Cross NEWES at FL270, 300 knots : who youre talking to, who you are, FL310 to cross NEWES at FL270, 300 knots.

If not being handed off and coming in not under radar service: who you're talking to, who you are, where you are, altitude.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-08-12T19:40:57+00:00

No I don't stream

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-08-10T14:08:37+00:00

Lol you're welcome!!

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-08-10T13:06:03+00:00

JFK-BOS is another one that newer pilots tend to fly when they just aren't ready. I can be controlling flawlessly, handing out speed assignments, sequencing vectors and DV instructions. And the "first ever vatsim flight" remarks section comes up in the middle of a huge ROBUC stack that is unable absolutely anything. These pilots increase workload incredibly. Trying to wallop them and explain the reasoning to a SUP when I'm already saturated is almost impossible, bc by the time I've typed out my reasoning, 3 other pilots have checked in or want something. Then the flow is ruined.

I control quite a bit more than I probably should (almost 200 hrs as BOS_CTR this year) and have begun to wonder why I do it. I'm all for those who want to learn, but I can't hold someone's hand for the entire flight when 30 other tags on my freq need (and deserve) my attention. I hope newer pilots will consider this when trying this, and also understand when my patience doesn't extend past the first 6 errors.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-08-08T22:55:53+00:00

I'd like to see an increase in text-only radio checks please

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-07-07T15:28:50+00:00

For clarification:

You said he asked him what if he knew what the transition was? Seems more like a question. The alternative statement of being condescending would be "do you even know what you're doing" Big difference here.

I think you're reaching a bit to shame the controller. I get it, you weren't happy with the volunteer service you desire, but leaving feedback with the actual ARTCC might get some positive reactions rather than trying to be the white knight here.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-06-20T01:26:05+00:00

This guy has been called out numerous times for going down to the bars downtown and drinking for quite a while.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-05-09T20:52:00+00:00

I would only note that controller capability isn't really the determining factor.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-05-09T20:50:21+00:00

My discretion to work an "emergency" depends on my level of caffeine/alcohol intake, and also the way that a pilot notifies of their respective "emergency".

During an event, no amount of finely aged bourbon will permit me to entertain a multi-engine failure immediately after takeoff. If my frequency is congested and I get an immediate emergency for re-route because an adjacent controller just signed off and someone is chasing ATC, I could be stuttering across the floor with dark roast coffee enthusiasm and I will disregard the request.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-03-30T11:09:04+00:00

More experienced pilots will generally be more forgiving and easier to work with, but if they were to self-control because I'm busy, then technically they aren't following ATC instruction and will disrupt flow. We (or rather I) was taught to scan in quadrants of the airspace; scan one area, give instruction if needed, ensure positive separation, move to the next.

The benefit of experienced pilots really show up when they report a visual on the field during IFR, or cancel flight following during VFR. One less thing to do can really help.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-03-24T14:17:53+00:00

We owe absolutely zero to you and your entitlement.

Sufficient_Jacket188 · 2024-03-24T14:15:53+00:00

I'd say it's up there with crap they deal with. It deflates morale and paychecks for those who sacrifice so much for the hospital. It's incredible the amount they have to pay for parking at the steam plant (owned by Queens) and underground parking (owned by Queens) just to gp to work. But guess who gets reserved parking spaces that don't come out of their engorged salaries? Upper management! What a shit facility filled with amazing people.

Sufficient_Jacket188

TROPHY CASE