Chicago Midway Tower - MDW

CrisAlly2007 Newcomer

I'm currently at the Academy and will be headed to MDW in early May. Does anyone have any info on the facility? Working conditions? Training schedules? Any info in general would be appreciated. Thanks.

DE_UND_CTI Trusted Member CHS- Charleston AFB/International

Great bunch of controllers there. You will definitely have a good time. I toured MDW with the Student Air Traffic Controllers Association from UND last year. Steady stream of Southwest planes. Pretty straight forward runway layout. The break room is a little small, but there is a kitchen, tables, a couple recliners, and a tv. The surrounding area is a little sub-par, but I guess that depends on where you're used to living. Not sure about the training schedules, but the work rotations seemed pretty awesome. We were there on a Saturday and there were 6 total controllers. 3 would work for an hour while the other three hung out in the break room, and then they switched every hour. Not sure if that's how it is during the week though. Overall, I was very pleased with the facility. There are a few pictures up on SATCA's Chicago Trip gallery:

Chicago Trip Spring 2008

MDW photos begin with DSCF1206 and end with DSCF1212.

DE_UND_CTI Trusted Member CHS- Charleston AFB/International

I forgot to mention that if you are looking to move on to bigger and better things, MDW is one of O'Hare's prime hiring pools of experienced controllers. The Training Manager at ORD said this himself.

CrisAlly2007 Newcomer

Those pics are pretty nice...thanks for the info. I'm excited abt being at a smaller place...u can get to know everyone and for the most part ppl are nice and helpful. I'm sure I'll like it.

Charliefoxtrot Junior Member San Diego

Man I would love to get an invite for MDW! So jealous......

CrisAlly2007 Newcomer

You know, I was just hoping for MDW. I definitely specified a tower in Cook County, and prayed that I didn't get ORD. So everything worked for the best. I literally live 15 mins from MDW, and couldn't ask for a better commute

Underd0g Junior Member Chicago

I will be heading to training in OKC in a week when I get out in July I will be at (enroute) ZAU. let me know how the tower is! Good luck! =)

stealth8 Newcomer

I hear that around MDW there are some rough areas. Where are some good places to live? What is the training schedule and situation like there?

look_an_airplane Newcomer Lexington, KY

A friend of mine that I was stationed with for years and deployed with too works at MDW and loves it. He said it keeps you interested, but doesn't blow your mind and that everyone there is pretty cool.

stealth8 Newcomer

What is the staffing situation there? Are there alot of trainees?