Is Jax Tracon really that bad?

Lockenkey Newcomer Jacksonville

I'm moving to Jacksonville and looking to either work at JAX tower/Tracon or Jax ARTCC; I was told that controllers with no radar experience would probably wash out of the Tracon because of the complexity! I was also told it would be better to either go to the Center because thier designed to teach from the ground up and Tracans traditionally are not; either ZJX or drive up to Savannah; I'm a previous FAA'er at a level 8 vfr twr and currently in Iraq on a contract deal and confident in the Twr but the Radar and starting pay is an issue for me; Does anyone have any insight on these facilities?
Also does anyone know what my starting pay would be being a former CPC in a tower?

Help!

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

The TRACON isn't impossible. It's only a level 9, so it's a lot better than going to a 12. There really aren't that many airports to worry about. The main ones are Craig, Cecil Field, Navy Jax, and Jax Int'l. Herlong is uncontrolled but can get busy. Mayport is mainly Helo's and St. Augustine isn't that bad either. A friend of mine was there and he had no radar experience and was doing fine. He left because of morale and the pay.

ZJX would be better in regards to training because like you mentioned, they are geared towards new hires but they are an 11 so you have to think about that as well. You mentioned Savannah in your reference to centers. Just to clarify, there is no center there, only SAV. It's an up/down that is only one level lower than JAX.

Lockenkey Newcomer Jacksonville

thanks again for the reply Noid;
To clarify what I was told was to consider getting radar experience at a slower radar such as SAV or DAB before going to JAX because of the complexity; I just dont want to end up wasting my time and others' by struggling for a year while not getting paid much in the first place

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

I wouldn't imagine the difference between an 8 and a 9 is all that much. The best thing to do is take a tour of JAX and see if it's something you think you can handle. There aren't too many RADAR facilities in N. Florida/SE Georgia to choose from. I've been to ZJX a few times and it's a different world. Taking a tour there as well wouldn't be a bad idea. Something to think about is that ZJX is way out in Hilliard...not exactly down the street from Jax. JAX isn't as far out, depending on where you live.

romajc Rookie West Palm Beach

You are all referring to JAX as a level 9, so the TRACON can't be too hard. But don't forget that the Tower only averaged 320 ops a day in 2008. The TRACON is what makes it a level 9. The Tower is slow and easy.

Having said that, I have a friend and some classmates who went there, and while the airspace may be large and complex, they seem to be doing fine.

FinalApproach Rookie Midwest

I visited JAX and they have alot of airspace to work. It will take a long time to check out. I definitely recommend going to a slower facility first for a person with no radar experience. Although, that does not mean that you couldn't do it, just that it will take at least 2-2 1/2 years to do it. The tower is very slow and there are training backups for the radar room. Good Luck with your decision.

draggen3 Newcomer

No experience it will probably take you 5 yrs if you make it !!
No one has checked out at JAX since imposed work rules were implemented.Except for a guy that came from NOCAL level 12
1 person who had radar experience has about 8 months to go he has been here 2 years,the rest are not even close. The people with no experience will have a rough time here !!

Hey noid who was it that left , Ill tell you if he had a chance !!
Go somewhere learn radar then bid up , coming to JAX with no knowledge is not a good thing
6 DAY WORK WEEKS AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE!!

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

My recommendation to individuals that have no radar approach experience has always been to go to a ATC-7 or ATC-8 and get certified there, gain some experience, then bid to move up to one of the busier facilities. As someone has already said the enroute centers are geared to training people with no or little experience so enroute is another option.

By starting out a a 7 or 8 you improve your chances of being successful, which is what we want you to be, it also allows you to gain experience and knowledge that will help you when you do move up, which is again what we want you to have.

As for your pay, that will depend on what program (vacancy announcement) that the FAA hires you under, I wouldn't count on the FAA using what you use to make as a guide to determining your pay.

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

hey is KC still working at jax?

draggen3 Newcomer

Yeah she still has 7 scopes left !! vitts and east , thats what they combine to,
She over thinks the problem, yet will get better with time, she really tries to learn !!
Still really she probably has 1-2 more years , with 2 under belt . She had radar experience from AF .
This is not for people with no experience , trust me , it is wing and fling coordinate up the ass with center because they cannot follow a letter of agreement.
Follow letter of agreement , whats my intials ZJX!!! Can you guess??
anyone ???