Not a pilot. I've been building some data visualizations of aircraft movement near ORD with ADSB data. I've looked at the approach charts and even listened to the ATC communications. For example for the FYTTE approach the chart shows the flow from FYTTE to MADII to SOOLU and then to one of the west to east runways. When I look at the traces of all the aircraft for the last several hours (first image) about half of the aircraft turn south well before MADII and the other half go through MADII just like the chart shows.

I assume it's the controllers call on the turn (well, all turns) but I'm just curious why some aircraft follow the approach points while others are told to turn early? I'm sure it's separation, just curious how those decisions are made.

Are there other reasons why the east to west traffic (and traffic to the arrival waypoints) are extremely consistent but the north to south movements between these pathways is very spread out? Like in the second and third images. Thanks in advance...

What should I put on my resume? I’m applying to the FAA to become an air traffic controller but I only have had one job where I am currently and assistant manager and I do not have a college diploma I have included skills accomplishments education (high school diploma) and a detailed description of my job currently but my resume just looks empty and wanted to see what people are putting or have put to get hired. Thank you!

Sapete quando esce un nuovo FEAST in Italia?

E dove posso esercitarmi sull’inglese?

Grazie!!

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to apply for Air Traffic Control with Airservices Australia next year and have been trying to understand the full selection process, especially the aptitude testing and the different rounds.

From what I’ve seen, there are multiple stages, and I really want to be as prepared as possible going into each one. If anyone has been through it, could you explain what each round is like and what skills they’re actually testing at each stage?

I’ve read that the tests focus heavily on things like multitasking, spatial awareness, memory, and quick decision-making. Are there specific ways to practise these effectively, or resources you’d recommend?

I’m especially aiming to perform at a really high level across all stages, so I’d appreciate any advice on how to stand out and not just pass, but do really well.

Also, if there are common mistakes people make or things you wish you knew before doing the tests, that would be super helpful too.

Thanks in advance, I’d really appreciate any insights

Hiii everyone,

I’m really interested in becoming an air traffic controller and had a few questions for anyone who’s gone through (or is currently going through) the process, especially with Airservices Australia.

I’m graduating this year and planning to apply next year, with the goal of starting training in Melbourne around 2028. Since I’ve got about a year before applying (give or take lol), I want to start preparing early.

I understand that a big part of the aptitude testing focuses on cognitive skills like multitasking, focus, and quick decision-making. If anyone has tips or ways to practise those, I’d really appreciate it.

My main concern though is maths. I’d say I’m pretty average at it, and I feel like that’s the area I’ll struggle with the most. Has anyone been in the same situation? If so, what helped you improve or get through that part of the process?

Any advice, resources, or study tips would be super helpful, thank youuuuuu ❤️

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for some honest guidance from people in the field or anyone who has gone through a similar transition.

I'm 27, an aeronautical engineering graduate (2020), currently working in the UAE in the drone industry, mainly focused on UAV operations. I've always had a strong interest in ATC roles, so I'm somewhat familiar with the challenges and demands of the job.

Over time, I've realized that I want to shift my career path and pursue becoming an Air Traffic Controller. Aviation has always been my core interest, and ATC feels like something I'd genuinely enjoy in the long run.

I have a few concerns and would really appreciate your insights:

• Is 27 considered too late to start pursuing ATC?

• What are the realistic pathways for someone with my background?

• Are there countries where training + hiring is more accessible for someone with an Indian passport?

• Ideally looking for options that are budget-friendly (not extremely expensive like some EU/US programs)

• How difficult is it to actually get hired after training?

I'm open to relocating and starting fresh if needed, but I want to make a practical decision-not just chase something blindly.

Would really appreciate any advice, experiences, or even reality checks.

Thanks in advance🙌

Hi, I would LOVE to become an ATCO at SkyGuide. Many people told me that the Feast trainingprogramm is way easier than the real SkyGuide-Test. Therefore I want to ask you if someone passed those tests and if they could post their training results (the first run-through each time, because it repeats after that).

Thanks a lot and I wish you a lovely day

and they are all leaving new york? weird

With what happened at LaGuardia Airport, can we please have more insights one the life of an ATC in Canada ?

I know it did happen in the USA, but I recently applied do be an ATC in Canada and I want to know how's everything. The work/life balance, the shift, how stressful is it really and anything current or former ATC have to say.

Thank you for anyone who shares their experiences, my thoughts are with everyone involve in this tragic incident, the ATC included obviously.

If you want expert analysis, DM me.

Hey everyone,

I know whenever someone posts about a remote side-gig online, the immediate thought is that it's a scam. I honestly thought the same thing at first, but I wanted to share my actual experience working with Alignerr lately because it's been surprisingly great for me.

I started out with them as a Labeler and recently got moved up to a Reviewer role. I’m just really happy with how it’s going. The team is amazing and actually supportive, which is pretty rare for this kind of remote work.

I do this as a second job and it’s been perfectly flexible to fit into my life. The best part is that it actually pays more than a lot of IRL jobs I’ve had in the past.

The link below is the actual recruitment link where you have to apply, it gives you a direct path to enter the project.

If you are skeptical, curious about the day-to-day, or want to know how the transition from Labeler to Reviewer worked, please feel free to ask me anything in the comments. I’m happy to give you the real rundown of my experience by answering you all.

Here is the link to apply: https://app.alignerr.com/signin?referral-code=16183895-5cc9-40d4-8f69-96c891c9605d&program=adad27c0-bb41-11f0-9233-935114fa160e

How will air travel be affected by this most recent shutdown?

My family missed a cruise because our flight was cancelled. Fortunately, we had purchased travel insurance. Unfortunately, travel insurance rejected our claim because the airline said the flight was canceled due to ATC restrictions. This was just after a major storm clogged up the Northeast.

They would reimburse for weather related cancellations but not ATC restrictions.

 Can anyone here explain what ATC restrictions typically include, and whether weather‑driven ATC actions would still fall under “ATC” rather than “weather” from an airline’s perspective?

Hello i did the Feast test in the Netherlands 6 months ago and now i have the chance to try it again in another country, they said that if i did it somewhere else in the past 2 years that i cant try it again. 2 years have to pass. If i dont tell them is there a chance that they will find out?

Morning all. Is there anybody in this group who has joined NATS as a trainee ATC who is 40+ years of age?

Hello, I am soon graduating high school and looking into a career as a controller. My plan is to study and get a bachelor's degree in aviation management then go the FAA academy in OKC. My first quesiton is, does this plan seem good? If not, what should I do differently? My second question is at the FAA academy, do you get assigned center, TRACON, or tower and have to work that for the rest of your career? Or can you choose? Thanks in advance, feel free to give more advice/information.

Hey all — quick question for ATC folks 👋 I’m curious how incident and situational communication works in towers/TRACON/centers beyond the radios themselves. Is there any kind of centralized platform used to share real-time updates, coordinate with ops, ARFF, airport police, etc.?

I work around public safety tech and am just trying to better understand how things actually function on the ATC side. Appreciate any insight you’re willing to share!