The Side by Side ATC Podcast

Tom Hanes
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

This is a podcast for people interested in air traffic control with a focus on the FAA Academy, CTI graduates, and trainees at their first facility.

  1. 2d ago

    The Learning Tool : Learning How to Learn in ATC

    Every air traffic controller starts with an empty tool belt. Some fill that tool belt faster than others—not because they're smarter, but because they've learned how to learn. In this episode, we begin building the first tool in the Learning Toolbox: The Learning Tool. While many students focus on what they need to study, successful controllers also develop how they learn. That skill becomes the foundation for every other tool they'll add throughout their careers. Whether you're waiting on an Academy class date, preparing for your first day, training at your first facility, or mentoring the next generation of controllers, the ability to learn efficiently is one of the most valuable tools you'll ever develop. In This Episode Why learning is the foundation of every successful ATC career.The difference between collecting information and developing understanding.Why successful controllers never stop learning.Five practical techniques to become a better learner.How the Learning Tool develops throughout all Four Levels of your career. • How this tool connects to the Six Drivers of ATC Success. Thank you for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .

  2. Aug 10

    The Hardest Thing About the FAA Academy- Part 1 _ Replay

    This is a replay of a previous episode. I am still dealing with a herniated disk and will be out of commission this week. I hope to be back next week to start discussing Tools You Need for Your ATC Tool Belt. On today's episode, I talk about what I have seen as the hardest thing for students at the FAA Academy. I talk about the amount of information you, as students, will be required to absorb and to know. Then, I talk about the hardest thing: NERVES! Join me as I give you some tips about handling nerves while you are at the Academy. Let me know what you think. Leave me a comment about the show or about a question you have that you would like me to talk about on a future show. FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com .

  3. Aug 3

    Building Your ATC Tool Belt: One Tool at a time

    Every great air traffic controller starts in the same place—with an empty tool belt. The difference isn’t natural talent. It isn’t luck. And it isn’t having all the answers before training begins. The difference is a commitment to continually adding new tools throughout your career. In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series focused on building the tools that help aspiring controllers succeed—not only at the FAA Academy, but throughout their entire careers. We’ll introduce the philosophy behind the ATC Tool Belt, explain how each tool develops through the Four Levels of an ATC career, show how the Six Drivers help organize your growth, and discuss why the Success Cycle is the process that turns experience into improvement. This episode lays the foundation for everything that follows. ⸻ In This Episode Why every successful controller builds an ATC Tool BeltWhat qualifies as a “tool”The difference between learning topics and building toolsHow the Four Levels shape your developmentHow the Six Drivers help you focus your growthWhy every tool is developed through the Success CycleWhat to expect from the Building Your ATC Tool Belt series ⸻ FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20

  4. Jul 27

    Phraseology Is King - Replay

    This is a replay of one of the first episodes from September 2024. I am having to do this replay as I am laid up with a pinched nerve and unable to get upstairs to my office. Hopefully, I will be back in time for next week. Until then here are the notes from the original episode with the current contact info. Have a great week! On this episode, I talk about why phraseology is King. I talk about the reasons it's so important and some ways to practice. If you have great phraseology, you will: Sound ProfessionalBe ProfessionalBe able to put evaluators to sleep To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20

  5. Jul 20

    Academy Preparation- The Most Important Tool in Your ATC Tool Belt

    What’s the most important tool an aspiring air traffic controller can develop? It isn’t phraseology. It isn’t radar. It isn’t separation. It’s learning how to learn. Every technical skill you’ll develop at the Academy depends on your ability to learn efficiently, recover from mistakes, and continually improve. In this episode, we explore why learning itself is a skill and introduce the Success Cycle that will help you build every future tool in your ATC Tool Belt. In This Episode Why learning is the foundation of every other ATC skillCommon study mistakes Academy students makeBetter ways to learn and retain informationIntroducing the Success Cycle:TestFailLearnImproveRe-enterWhy failure is part of the learning process—not the end of it Thank you for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20

  6. Jul 13

    Academy Preparation: The ATC Tool Belt - What it is and Why You Need It

    Every professional has a tool belt. Mechanics, electricians, carpenters, surgeons—they all rely on a collection of tools they’ve developed over years of experience. Air traffic controllers are no different. In this episode, you’ll discover the philosophy behind the Side by Side ATC ATC Tool Belt and why it will become one of the most valuable concepts throughout your Academy training and career. You’ll learn why success isn’t about collecting information—it’s about intentionally building the skills, habits, mindsets, and processes you’ll rely on every day as a controller. Whether you’re still waiting on a class date or preparing to report to the Academy, your tool belt starts today. In This Episode Why every profession depends on a well-built tool beltWhat an ATC Tool Belt really isThe difference between technical tools and professional toolsHow your tool belt grows through all Four Levels of your ATC careerWhy you’ll never stop adding tools—even after becoming a Certified Professional Controller (CPC)How Side by Side ATC is designed to help you build your tool belt one tool at a time Success Cycle Challenge This week, identify one area of your preparation that could become another tool in your belt. Write it down and intentionally begin developing it. FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20

  7. Jul 6

    Academy Preparation - What Should I be Doing While Waiting for My Class Date?

    Waiting for an FAA Academy class date can be exciting, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming. Instead of simply counting down the days, what if you used that time to build the habits and foundation that will help you succeed once training begins? In this episode of the Academy Preparation series, we discuss practical ways to prepare while waiting for your class date. From finances and family conversations to study habits, health, and personal development, you’ll learn how to make the most of the time before the Academy. Preparation isn’t about trying to learn everything before you arrive—it’s about becoming the kind of person who is ready to succeed when the opportunity comes. FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20

  8. Jun 29

    Academy Preparation - Success Starts Before Day 1

    Many future air traffic controllers believe their journey begins when they arrive at the FAA Academy. In reality, success starts long before Day 1. The habits, mindset, preparation, and discipline you develop before your class date can have a tremendous impact on your Academy experience. In this episode, we launch the new Academy Preparation series by discussing why preparation is about much more than studying phraseology or memorizing procedures. We’ll explore how the 6 Drivers of ATC Success begin long before the Academy and how intentional preparation can reduce stress, build confidence, and position you for success. Whether you’re waiting for a class date or just beginning your ATC journey, this episode will help you start preparing today for the career you want tomorrow. Thank you for listening!! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs, you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/complete-lab-program or sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-recovery if you are needing help with the beginning of enroute radar. Mentorship Program For information about my mentorship program : https://sidebysideatc.com/page/mentorship Questions You can email me questions, or comments, at: tomhanes@sidebysideatc.com . Discount Code: Founders20

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

This is a podcast for people interested in air traffic control with a focus on the FAA Academy, CTI graduates, and trainees at their first facility.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Hanes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Side by Side ATC Podcast

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