Maybe some of you have noticed that our Position and Hold (TIPH) procedures have changed this year, or maybe you just think we are weird.
The changes to these procedures affect when we are able to use TIPH. The changes also affect how and when we issue traffic advisories for aircraft holding in position on the […]

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The timing of this was great! It seems a little dated, but entertaining non the less.
click here to see video
This isn’t the first I’ve heard of this stunt. When I was at the FAA Academy, an instructor told us about a similar incident he was involved in. The scenario he described was an argument on […]

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This holiday season, I plan on putting some colorful lighting somewhere on the tower. I’ve done this in the past and it undeniably increases moral and promotes holiday cheer to both our employees and our flying visitors. The Christmas lights I’ve used in the previous years have been given their last rights, so I must […]

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The sunset tonight was an awesome sight from the tower. It looked like the horizon was on fire. Did anyone else happen to catch that? I only wish I had my camera with me. I need to make it a point to keep a camera with me at all times to avoid missed opportunities such […]

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The best way to become an air traffic controller is to start at a college or university that offers a program that is recognized by the FAA. There are currently 23 FAA accredited schools that offer an air traffic control College Training Initiative (CTI) program, as of November 2007. (see list below) The receipt of […]

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I’m amazed that in the 6 years I’ve been at Chicago Executive Airport, Air Traffic Control Tower, there have only seen a handfull of tower visitors each year. I’m not sure if people think the tower is not accessible, or maybe that we just do not want them there. We actually feel the opposite. I […]

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Yesterday had its moments of busy flurries of inbound/outbound traffic as well as plenty of aircraft requesting pattern work. The radar was full of VFR traffic in all directions and the lake shore seemed to be one of the most popular places to be.
It was a little windy this morning at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), […]

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I was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2001, a week or two after the September 11th attacks. It sure was interesting times, but here are some photos and recollections of my 8-week experience at the academy. The FAA’s air traffic control training program is held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the Mike […]

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
…Well, had the first real snow-fall at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) last night, and the flurries were quite impressive this morning. It sure looked cool (no pun intended), but I’d have to say I’m not a big fan of snow… Give me some tropical weather! I’ve been up here in Illinois for 6 […]

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Ever since I can remember, I have always been amazed watching aircraft fly. Since I’ve been a controller I obviously get to see this a lot. Pilots, on occasion, offer to take me up and show me the other side of my job from the pilot’s perspective. However, I don’t think I would care to […]

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