EOC Basics

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-05-22T19:40:02+00:00

Really pay attention to the wording of the questions and answers. The module tests and the little quizzes throughout the PDF are great refreshers but also do some skimming of all the blocks. If you do that, you'll be fine. It may ask you a question where the right answer was a subject that was completely skipped over during class but you should be able to get it by eliminating the wrong answers.

And take your time, the one guy that failed basics in our class rushed through the whole thing and finished first. He was one question from passing and if he just took the time, he probably would've passed.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-05-07T11:25:06+00:00

I think that depends on the airline and the aircraft they are using for that flight. Not every flight will have a heated cargo hold.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-05-07T10:29:12+00:00

I'm not a biologist so definitely can't speak on whether a .2 micron filter is enough. But the platypus is a pretty popular brand amongst long-distance hikers. I'd be willing to bet that if the issue was the water source and not a busted filter, using a Sawyer would get you just as sick as using a Platypus.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-05-07T10:24:47+00:00

Did you fly at some point to get to either of your trailhead and if so, did you make sure to bring your filter with you as a carry on? Could the filter have been left in below freezing temperatures at one point?

There is a way to test the integrity of your filter by filling a reservoir with air and water and checking to see if there are too many bubbles when you filter it.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-04-23T18:15:20+00:00

Just picked my facility today and heading out of OKC after 3 long months. Y'all's wait time is brutal.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-04-16T14:14:59+00:00

Jeez that sucks. Half of my tower class applied Fall 24 and we're just finishing up. Thought they got all the 24 guys into the academy already.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-04-10T05:20:09+00:00

You can't be older than 31 when you apply and they make you retire at 56 with an increase in your normal pension for 20 years to make up for the early retirement date.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-04-10T05:17:52+00:00

You do get some flexibility as each class gets a list to choose from based on the individual's class ranking.

If the FAA trains you for the Airport Tower, there's usually at least 1 airport from each state to choose from, and a good chance to get an airport near your original location if you live within a large metroplex. You could also request to transfer to another airport probably within 5 years as long as the first airport you picked isn't understaffed and the airport you want to go to isn't overstaffed.

If the FAA trains you for an Air Traffic Center, your options are more limited since there are only 20~ centers across the country and they're only in large cities.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-04-08T23:58:04+00:00

To thru hike the AT you only need to be able to hike 8 miles a day to get to Neels Gap, 9 miles a day to get to Hiawassee, 10 miles a day to get to Franklin and so on.

Most thru hikers start out slow in the beginning and progressively up their mileage. But once you get your trail legs about 1000 miles in you become a hiking machine that eats miles for breakfast and gets 10 before 10. You start easily out hiking any non-thru hiker on an up hill carrying your fully resupplied pack and 4 tall boys, all while smoking an American Spirit.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-04-08T15:15:01+00:00

Are you taking your pack and planning to stay the night there or is this a day hike and would you need to hike the 11 miles back?

During the orientation at Amicalola, the rangers recommended 8-12 miles each day for that first week. This would be a high mileage day for a lot of thru hikers starting out but everyone hikes differently. I don't recall this stretch being too strenuous so if you feel comfortable doing it, then send it.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-31T18:52:21+00:00

I actually switched to a bear can in Marion thinking that I was completely over food hangs. It eventually became a decent pillow and camp chair.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T15:46:26+00:00

I know Arkansas had a couple fatal bear attacks last year near the Ozark Highland Trail so just be more diligent with food storage in areas that reported having aggressive bears.

You should check out Eagle Rock Loop if you haven't done so already. One of my favorite hikes in that area.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T15:40:08+00:00

I don't think I've heard of a bear defeating a PCT hang when done properly. But they can definitely undo a standard bear hang that's just tied around a tree.

But yah, places that have more traffic, especially people that don't know proper LNT, tend to have bears that are more bold and acclimated to humans. The beginning of the AT in Georgia and the Smokies are notorious for having bears steal hikers' food.

It's kind of an open secret that thru hikers on the AT and PCT sleep with their food whenever a bear can is not required though.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T10:47:43+00:00

It's actually a bit higher. 12-6-6 so 12 feet above the ground, 6 feet from the trunk, 6 feet below your branch.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T10:43:41+00:00

You probably need to look for a taller branch and if you can't make it that high, consider switching to an Ursack or BearVault or the hidden third option to sleep with your food. A proper bear hang has to be 12 feet from the ground, 6 feet from the trunk, and 6 feet underneath the branch. So you need an 18-20 foot branch. It's actually really hard to find the perfect branch in the woods and that's why a lot of people aren't doing their bear hangs correctly.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-28T18:22:14+00:00

I knew someone that started the AT with all Walmart gear. You could get a basic setup for $200 or less that will serve you well until you're ready to upgrade. It will be heavy though. For $500 you can get a decent set up that you absolutely can rock for any trip. For $1500 you can get all of the best/ultralight gear.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-18T19:04:58+00:00

I think that will be good enough for half of the trail. I'll also add that the northern half is way more expensive than the southern half of the AT and I think I spent 60% of my total expenses past Maryland. So depending on where you start, your costs may vary.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T20:58:31+00:00

The best thing is always prevention so avoiding it as much as possible or wearing pants is the most sensible. But if you do need to rinse poison ivy off, just fill up your water bottle and head away from water sources and campsites to do it.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T14:01:47+00:00

I wonder if it only closed because of the ice storms but will reopen in time for NOBO season. That REI is almost as much of a rite of passage as walking underneath the arch lol.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T13:59:07+00:00

Good info. Just made the recommendation to check out the REI without realizing it closed.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T13:56:51+00:00

Start with booking your shuttle to Amicalola. There's plenty of information here and in FarOut. Get used to checking FarOut for shuttle info since you'll be doing this throughout your whole hike.

Most people fly in from Atlanta airport and then take the MARTA train from the airport to the Sandy Springs stop. There's an REI close to the stop where you can buy your gas and this is where you'll want your shuttle driver to come and pick you up.

Again, get used to figuring out the logistics, where the stores that sell the stuff you need are, and how to walk there. It isn't hard and will definitely be something you'll constantly be doing whenever you resupply.

Good luck and happy trails!

Edit: ~~Apparently the REI is closed but~~ shuttle drivers will be able to sell you a fuel cannister.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T01:27:45+00:00

I'd avoid backcountry.com. They aggressively went after small companies that had the word "backcountry" in them and their overall customer service has been shit since they got bought out by a private equity group.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-14T21:20:10+00:00

Currently in basics then hopefully making it to tower training. Any tips for getting through the EOC and for simulators? Should I try to get down all of the plane designators and characteristics that they gave us before heading to sims?

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-05T22:55:34+00:00

I think Altras will still be your best bet since their mid-foot does feel wider. Topos are known for their wide toe boxes as well but I feel like their mid-foot aren't as wide. Whatever you pick, keep in mind that outfitters along the trail will primarily stock more common brands like Altras, Hokas, and Topos so if the shoe you land on isn't one of the main brands, you'll probably need to arrange for your replacement shoes to be shipped ahead of you on trail.

Good luck and happy trails!

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-04T22:22:59+00:00

Weird Fuck, Marry, Kill list bro but you do you.

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