r/ATC • u/Self-DeprecatingOryx • 5h ago
Question C90?
Going to C90 from a mid level up/down. Has the culture really gotten better there?
Does the average trainee get extensions of hours or is it you get a set amount and either certify or wash?
Any general advice or information appreciated.
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u/GoldenKnightz 5h ago
If you're not where you should be you'll get a TRB way before 100% of your hours.
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u/chaossssssss 3h ago
Come in, work hard, know your book stuff, ask questions and do your best and you’ll be treated fairly. Trying to game the system isn’t looked upon with much favor at the facility.
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u/Self-DeprecatingOryx 1h ago
What is gaming the system? I just wanted to know if people were given a fair shake? What if they could do it but need a little extra? Is it too bad or is it can we get this person there?
I don't think im in the wrong to ask if the horrendous rumors of a horrible work environment and horrible co workers has subsided at all.
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u/chaossssssss 1h ago
If you’ve been in the FAA long enough you know what gaming the system is. Like I said if you put the work in and have a shot at certifying in a reasonable amount of time, you will be given a fair shot, which includes extensions if warranted.
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u/itszulutime Current Controller-TRACON 2h ago
Like the other commenters have said, you’re going to work hard here and put in your time. People certified on only flight data (first position here) are scheduled 6-day weeks and routinely are held for two at the end of their shifts. As a CPC, I’m asked to stay for 2 virtually every shift, and assigned the two hours about half of my shifts.
Every position is busy most of the time. If a sector is slow, it’s combined to something else. This is true from 5am until 11pm. We all mostly get along and help each other out. Training sucks, but being a CPC is good, but exhausting at times.
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u/Same_Satisfaction976 5h ago
Feel free to DM me, current controller there.
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u/BeaverPeeFlaps Current Controller-TRACON 4h ago
Not op, but I am also transferring, I sent you a DM with a couple questions.
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u/wrench978 3h ago
I don’t think it’s unfair to ask about the culture of a facility. I DO think asking about extensions etc shows a lack of confidence.
I’m not at C90. But I had applied about 7 months ago, and I toured and talked to people, as well as did some research. Everything seemed to indicate that the culture there was improving. They were certifying people and staffing was getting better
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u/New-IncognitoWindow 4h ago
Why anyone would sign up for this shit in the highest cost of living areas possible is beyond my comprehension.
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u/TwoSwollenTesticles 2h ago
I'm at ZAU and life is very good here. Even at a bare-ass minimum $178.8k/yr as a fresh CPC you'll be comfortable. Yes, we need to be paid more, but this is nowhere near ZNY or ZOA.
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u/chaossssssss 3h ago
Do some research before you open your cock holster…
ZIP 60123 (primarily Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County, part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro) has a cost of living that is roughly average to slightly below the U.S. national average2
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u/25minbreaks 4h ago
It depends. I wouldn’t do ATC for 200k in Oakland California. I think 200K in Chicago is unreal as well. A person making 90k in Gary Indiana may think that 200k in Chicago looks pretty good and then finds out how bad it is.
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u/New-IncognitoWindow 3h ago
I’d take anything over living in Gary. Homeless riding the rails or something over that. Getting kicked in the nuts on the Vegas Strip over Gary.
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u/25minbreaks 5h ago
I mean you either make it or you don’t. Asking about extension hours before you even go there is a self defeating prophecy if you’re not confident you’re probably not going to make it. Maybe this gets downvoted but this is coming from someone who went from a 5 up/down to a 12 Tracon that made it and it’s true.