Baltimore Tower - BWI

TinPusher06 Newcomer

Didn't see anything here about BWI, so I thought I'd start a thread.

I know of people going to ZDC and Potomac, but haven't heard anything about BWI. Is anyone headed there or already there?

I'd be interested in any information about the facility and the staffing, if anyone knows anything.

Thanks!

cuebal Newcomer Brooklyn, NY

I'm still pretty early in the process but ideally I would like to end up in the BWI Tower. I'm just not sure about the need for people there at this point. If it is full come time for me to chose my location prefs, my second choice would be the DCA terminal. Basically I'd like to stay local. And being able to look out a window rather than being underground or in front of a radar would be nice, but I don't care much about picking between those two. I've heard ZDC and the new Potomac Consolidated Tracon are nice.

Ironsides70 Rookie Odenton, MD

I recently moved to Maryland from Texas in the hopes of getting picked up for a Northern Virginia, DC, or Maryland facility. Although I would go to any facility in the area, I would especially like BWI as it is only a 10 minute drive from my home. I was picked up for Omaha Tower under PUBNAT4, but I declined because the wife was getting transferred to Ft. Meade, MD by the Air Force. Unfortunately I did not apply to PUBNATs 5/6, but I did apply to 7. I have been searching the forums on here and Jetcareers and it seems that BWI isn't picking a lot of people up. I'll be sure to call them before the geo-pref emails come out for #7.

cuebal Newcomer Brooklyn, NY

Me too. That's probably my #1, but I guess we're lucky that there are a few facilities in the Balt/DC metro area.

otterstrom Trusted Member of NATCA

PCT is... ZDC isnt.

Ironsides70 Rookie Odenton, MD

Just out of curiosity, is Northern Virginia a separate option on the Geo pref options? It was November that I last saw the options on the email for PUBNAT4. I would like to stay within a reasonable distance from Maryland. If the only option is VA I know I can comment on what counties I want or don't want, however with my luck they'd still give me Norfolk or Richmond which is just too far away for me.

Also why would you say ZDC isn't nice?

otterstrom Trusted Member of NATCA

the place is a dump and most agree its one of the worst centers to work in. also, last i heard it led the nation in operational errors/deviations. too bad because its in a GREAT location.

ZDCATC Newcomer ZDC

Wow - just a little harsh there...

I'll admit PCT is a great facility, it is pretty much brand new, and thus going to be a lot nicer than the majority of facilities, especially the centers which are all old...

And it is true that a couple years ago ZDC was leading the nation in operational errors, but over the course of the last year ZDC reported one of the best improvements in the number of OEs, and up till just recently was continuing the downward trend.

We have our share of problems, but from the stories I've heard and from talking to friends at other centers, ZDC is no worse than any other center - they all have their problems. On the positive side for ZDC, we did just get a new facility manager and from all the meetings going on, and the talks between him and local NATCA reps, it seems that he is very much in support of the controllers at ZDC...

As for BWI, I've heard that they do need people but it is all just rumor until someone gets picked up...

otterstrom Trusted Member of NATCA

heh, yea maybe. i just know of the 4 friends i have there, none like it.

Flyingfish Newcomer

I am not a controller, assistant controller nor even a federal employee, but I hope one of you can help me out.
Is there any way I can E-mail a tower controller or supervisor at the BWI tower? I have some questions as a result of listening to the radio freq. assigned to BWI tower, Ground, and Potomac Approach. I'm all but a shut in and an inactive airplane driver. The monitor is on most of the day to keep me company. I've noticed some inconsistencies that seem to be SOP. And one day I would love to correlate the voices who keep me company with their owners.