Potomac TRACON - PCT

ATCjohn75 Rookie Bealeton, VA

Hey guys. I have a school date of August 5th and am graduating Sept. 15th then it's off to Potomac Tracon. I was wondering if anyone had any information about the area around PCT such as where to avoid going, colleges, etc, etc. My e-mail is atcjohn75@gmail.com. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

polo708 Epic Member tower

here you go, haha... its biased tho:

The Potomac Current and Undertow

USMCATC Rookie Cleveland, OH

John, I am going to Potomac as well, I also have the same class dates as you. Have you already made housing arrangements? Also, my FOL says we are allowed 1 day travel after OKC. Not sure if you are driving or flying, but I was planning on driving, but seems like since we finish on Monday Sept, 14 that we don't get the weekend for travel. 1 day of travel is cutting it close? Any thoughts on this?

Kevin

Davo Trusted Contributor VT

Others have brought this up before and most facilities will let you take advanced leave which you will have to earn after getting there. I don't want to be without a car the whole time I am there so I plan on driving as well when the time comes. Good luck.

boondr PHD without a degree North of the Equator

I am there so you guys can PM me if you have any questions.

Dale Senior Member Uniondale, Indiana

If you left shortly after school on Monday, You MIGHT be able to make it by Tuesday evening. That is with no rest stops, only stops for gas and food.

I don't understand how the FAA can do this except that, as probational employees, NATCA is limited on what it can do to protect you. Still, it seems like a safety issue to me.

As a PASS member, I was only required to travel 350 miles per day, though we rarely limited ourselves to this figure. For me, OKC was 900 miles, and I traveled it in 2 days each way, on official time, as long as the class/classes were 16 class days or longer. If the class was shorter than that, I would take the hit and use annual leave.

In any case, I would use at least 1 day of annual leave, and get to Virginia better rested.

strykr Junior Member cardboard box

You should earn 8 days of Administrative leave when you graduate the Academy that you should be able to use for travel, house hunting, finding Dr.'s etc... Everyone has the "one day" deal on their FOL but most managers are willing to work with you on that because they understand that it is impossible for most to get across the country in a day, all you need to do is contact your ATM or Sup and you should be fine. Kevin, did that hold at ROA send you to PCT?

ysj2482 Rookie Phoenix, AZ

Try to stay in the Warrenton/Gainesville area if you can. Otterstrom is right. WAY too expensive around there. At least if you stay near the tracon you've got a fighting chance.

klessmastime Newcomer

just found out i've been selected for PCT... PEPC on June 26. I'm from the DC area so I'm familiar with the cost of living. I went on a tour a few weeks back. I can't wait till I get there!

mills3ff Junior Member Port Orange

Did you ask for the 26th or did they confirm it. I'm asking because I requested the same date but I have not heard back yet. I'd like to know so I can get my ticket.