Altitude deviations

[freighthumper]

What is the altitude deviation at which ATC will query the flight crew?

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Something happen?

 

[freighthumper]

no, it was a question on a recurrent training test I have to get done and wasnt sure about it..

 

[LJ45]

if you are off by more than 300 ft on the mode c alt., it trips their computer.

 

[ATCT]

Well it doesnt "trip" anything in the computer so to speak.

Our Altitude readouts are in 100 ft. The 300ft comes into effect regarding calidation of Mode C readouts. If you say "Leaving 2.4 for 5" and I see 2,000 in the altitude im recieving, then your mode-c is screwed up.

Basically, if I see you're off by more than 100ft from what ive assigned, im going to start asking. (First im going to verify the local altimeter to ya...the polite way of saying you're above or below lol)

ATCT

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Curious.

Hey ATCT,

What percentage of controllers have pilot certificates such as yourself?

Does this figure vary much between the type of controller as well.

Do they usually have it before the position or tend to acquire it after being on the job some.

Just curious as to how aviation-crazy controllers are. We already know how fanatical most pilots are about flying.

 

[Ravengirl]

Hey ATCT,

What percentage of controllers have pilot certificates such as yourself?

Does this figure vary much between the type of controller as well.

Do they usually have it before the position or tend to acquire it after being on the job some.

Just curious as to how aviation-crazy controllers are. We already know how fanatical most pilots are about flying.

Well, I'm not ATCT, but I thought I'd throw my $0.02 in here. I had my private pilot certificate long before I ever thought about becoming an air traffic controller, because originally I wanted to be a professional pilot. I just happened to switch sides, is all

I work at Denver Center, and many of my colleagues there are pilots as well. I'd say it's a pretty even split between those who started before ATC and those who started after beginning the ATC career. We also have a good number of controllers who are into homebuilt airplanes, and are building/learning to fly simultaneously!

However, there are plenty of controllers who couldn't tell you the difference between a Cessna 172 and a Boeing 747 (and you know, they all look the same on radar anyway). Plenty of controllers don't care at all about learning to fly, either. So it goes both ways, like most other things.

SW

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Thanks Ravengirl. I've always been curious about the other side and their relationship with aviation.

I used to CFI with a guy who could've gone to the regionals but pursued the controller position becasue it paid more.

Don't you guys need like a 2nd class medical too?

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

We have a few pilots at ORD as well. Myself included. You'd be suprised how many controllers at least have a private.

 

[2EASYPilot]

We have a few pilots at ORD as well. Myself included. You'd be suprised how many controllers at least have a private.

Quick complement to you sir...we are based across the lake from Chicago and operate in the airspace often. Chicago controllers, all airports included , have got to be among the best in the country. Considering the traffic levels you and your coharts deal with, my hat is off to you.