ARTCC Selection

Ed Sammarco · « **on:** October 03, 2010, 10:04:00 PM »

Just passed the initial ARTCC test and now need to select an ARTCC for training. Anyone have any suggestions as to selecting an ARTCC? Should I assume a Chicago, DFW or NY would have more activity? Appreciate any "logical" rationale...other than you work there

Gary Millsaps · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2010, 05:52:37 AM »

Hi Ed,

Any one of the ARTCCs in the division would be a great location to enjoy the controller-side of our hobby...and remember, it's NOT just about the level of traffic. I recommend you talk to the members of several ARTCCs to get a feel for the "atmosphere" before making a selection.

Bruce Clingan · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2010, 10:42:34 AM »

Quote from: Gary Millsaps

Hi Ed,

Any one of the ARTCCs in the division would be a great location to enjoy the controller-side of our hobby...and remember, it's NOT just about the level of traffic. I recommend you talk to the members of several ARTCCs to get a feel for the "atmosphere" before making a selection.

Gary is right there is a lot more than just traffic volume. Chances are that if you go to one of the really busy ARTCCs it will take a substantial more time to get trained and up and running, and the level of traffic you see on a daily basis may not be even that much more.

Finding a place to me is about the atmosphere, and friendship. There are times that my friends I've met on the network are some of the first people I talk to when I just want a chance to vent, or an opinion about an important decision and to me that is worth much more than traffic volume.

Brendan Lynch · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2010, 05:00:38 PM »

I just went with the one I live in. If you are on a border like me, ZTL and ZDC, I went with ZTL because my home airport is CLT, and to control there means ZTL.

SIMAF87