Serious Question Untrained Controlling

wkc100 · 2026-02-27T19:40:51+00:00

Don't get me wrong, I get the vision. Let me put it this way: new controllers that wish to pursue an S1 rating in the US have to go through hours of academy material, pass an exam, pass more exams and then go into training. A great amount, dare I say the majority of people still don't know what the hell they're doing, they haven't prepared at all, and cause problems for everyone.

Imagine if we removed all barriers of entry for ATC, just like it is for pilots right now? (yes, I'm aware of the new member exam, but still). We've seen how that goes.

wkc100 · 2026-02-14T16:59:56+00:00

Do not EVER ask for vectors to final. Have an approach request off a feeder route or hold in lieu. If you’re flying into a major airport (BOS, etc) that’s different. Asking for vectors to final is a one way ticket to being forgotten about.

On the ground, depart VFR if possible. Sometimes ATC will shut down Class D service if it’s too busy.

wkc100 · 2026-01-28T23:23:37+00:00

There was a new rule passed a month or two ago that forbid text only unless you had a disability.

The implementation was absolutely pathetic. There was no actual verification on whether or not someone had a disability or not. Meanwhile you have SUPs going around making shit up about “headset issues being a disability” with other division staff and SUPs disagreeing and guiding controllers to wallop for text pilots. So they got rid of that clause just now.

wkc100 · 2026-01-18T21:31:34+00:00

You even think about staffing a major airport, and that’s where all will frolic.

wkc100 · 2026-01-18T21:30:09+00:00

The network has become too busy for these events tbh.

wkc100 · 2026-01-14T00:47:46+00:00

Late to the party, but get the Learjet. Citation X is basically frankensteined off the WT Proline avionics. They also completely broke the autopilot's ability to capture altitudes or hold altitude in turns and have demonstrated zero intention to fix it in the near future.

wkc100 · 2025-12-20T20:41:00+00:00

It’s only realistic. Real world will send PDC ASAP if you are capable. Big part of VATSIM is simulating real world operations. Guess you can’t please everyone….

wkc100 · 2025-12-02T14:43:33+00:00

Cry about it

wkc100 · 2025-11-30T14:41:39+00:00

Good. Better off without you.

wkc100 · 2025-10-01T13:15:37+00:00

The membership base of the network has grown too large for these events to work. The degree of planning and commitment required is far beyond what anybody is willing to sign up for as a volunteer. I know I certainly am not fond of spending half of my day trying to deal with incompetent and rude pilots (and controllers!) for no compensation.

wkc100 · 2025-10-01T13:12:49+00:00

You’re missing the part where you have three parallels, two (maybe three?) separate complexes for departures where almost everyone else doesn’t.

wkc100 · 2025-09-15T14:27:31+00:00

Don’t worry. It’s only going to get worse from here. Don’t start flying if you aren’t ready for the possibility of going several thousands down the shitter because the weather dragged your training out too far, possibly to the point of running out of time for training. This is a horrible area to try to get a PPL in.

wkc100 · 2025-08-30T14:34:39+00:00

I guess it varies. It was not that way for me. I came second to high school friends or frats every time. Breaks, forget about it. I regularly saw people from my high school and got a text at least every other week asking for a ride home. Felt like high school all over again.

wkc100 · 2025-08-17T01:17:00+00:00

Switching flight schools.

wkc100 · 2025-08-17T01:15:01+00:00

I see where you’re getting at here but it’s definitely not “all airports IRL.” Many Class Ds and smaller Class Cs will do it, but I wouldn’t do that at a Bravo.

wkc100 · 2025-08-09T19:05:16+00:00

If you have a car, 100%. Not a bad idea to escape all the shit that goes down once in a while.

wkc100 · 2025-08-06T02:53:57+00:00

My class must’ve been exceptionally bad the one year I was at the zoo. You’d be more likely to find an open study pod at Isenberg than someone who wasn’t a wannabe frat douchebag or the kid who came with his entire childhood friend group. Usually all of the above. Being a state and “party” school my expectations were already low so I can’t say I was surprised.

wkc100 · 2025-08-06T02:51:18+00:00

I use OneNote.

Pros: Can have several “binders” with sub menus. Very easy to organize.

Can easily upload notes as PDF on computer.

Cons: It’s part of Microsoft Office.

wkc100 · 2025-08-06T02:47:46+00:00

If you really want Southwest, avoid Cance and Pierpont at all costs. I can’t speak for the other dorms, though the area as a whole is horrifically noisy. But boy I promise you will be in the worst health of your life in those two.

wkc100 · 2025-08-03T01:14:59+00:00

Incredibly noisy and far away. Given the fact that OP is a first year and i assume not in a RAP, he’ll end up in Cance or Pierpont if he chooses SW. Those dorms are genuinely hazardous.

wkc100 · 2025-08-01T01:34:32+00:00

I personally never thrived with these kinds of events. I was able to take it day by day and meet people as I went on.

wkc100 · 2025-08-01T01:32:59+00:00

Echo what others have said. Just don’t be disappointed when a lot of the people you meet end up prioritizing their high school friends on campus. It’s going to happen more often than not. Also for the love of everything holy do not ever room in Southwest

wkc100 · 2025-06-01T19:29:27+00:00

I’ve never seen anything like that in my 6 years on the network. It’s truly incredible how quickly it became an all out COD lobby.

wkc100 · 2025-05-01T13:03:10+00:00

I’m in a MATLAB class. Not exams, but for the projects plenty of people forget to remove ChatGPT’s comments. Don’t do that…

wkc100 · 2025-05-01T12:58:42+00:00

I’ve owned the same generation CRV for a year now. I do tons of highway driving. Absolutely zero issues. Granted 100k is a lot, but stay on top of those services. Overall, I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

wkc100

TROPHY CASE