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Date Posted: 20:01:26 01/08/08 Tue
Author: Sandmeier
Subject: Academy En Route Synopsis

I am not going to give you a blow by blow like Hallock did, but I just wanted to give some personal views about the initial en route class. My class began on November 30, which means we are half way through training. There are 18 people total, 10 CTI and 8 VRA. The VRA’s are from every branch except Coast Guard and all have at least one CTO. As for CTI, there are 2 UND, along with people from MCTC, UAA, Mt. Sac, and ERAU. There are 8 going to Minneapolis, myself included, along with Denver, Seattle, Salt Lake, Anchorage, and Guam. All in all, a very diverse group.

Our first class day was a Friday and was exactly as Hallock has described. I was rather amazed they would have a class start on a Friday (Per Diem) but it proved very useful. I used the first weekend as study time and I had the map down cold by Monday. Speaking of the map, do not take it lightly, it is vitally important that you KNOW IT. We had at least one person fail the map test. When learning the map it is also important to be able to recall the information during a scenario. For example; an aircraft leaving your airspace to the west of Sidon VORTAC (SQS.) You will need to know the airway is V278 and the MEA is 3000. You will need to know the transfer of communications point is 13 miles west SQS. You will need to know the airspace is owned by Aero Center (GLH LO [D67]) and the frequency is 126.0/326.0. If you need to refer back to the map for each call you will find yourself WAY behind when the problems get busy.

The academic information is very structured and very straightforward. The block tests are quite easy if you pay attention in class. There is a review session for the first two block tests, but we did not have the review session for the written PV (which we are taking tomorrow, along with our non-radar evaluation.)

The academics prepare you very well for the move to the non-radar lab, but it is still an eye-opening experience when they turn the clock on for the first time. You are going to make mistakes when in the non-radar lab, 100%, guaranteed. Do not to let this bother you. The scenarios are designed to test your abilities by increasing in complexity, as well as adding traffic volume. Our lead instructor likes to say, “If you feel like you are one or two steps behind, you are right where you are supposed to be in the training.” I had a very bad first week in the non-radar lab because I was being so hard on myself for have two separation errors in one problem. Once I began using these errors as a learning experience I began having a great time.

As I said before, our non-radar evaluation and written PV is tomorrow and I feel the instructors have prepared me for both. Once we are done with the evaluation we head back to the classroom for 9 days of academics before heading into the radar lab.

The weather here in the winter is crazy, we have had 75 degrees and clear, one of the worst ice storms in state history, blizzards (although nothing like ND,) and last night a severe thunderstorm with tornado warnings just south of OKC.

As far as housing goes. I am staying in a two-bedroom apartment at Walnut Gardens with a roommate that I met on atccti.com. The complex is adequate for $58 per day. One of our classmates is staying in a two bedroom at Mustang and it is on another level, plus the price is comparable to Walnut, Spanish Gardens, and Meridian Mansions. I suggest you check it out.

There you go, a very quick run down. If you have any questions about the time at academy, I suggest you take a look at the journal written by Hallock. It was very beneficial for me in preparing for the academy. If you have any questions, let me know.

Jason

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