Questions to ask during a tower tour?

jwjulian Newcomer

I'm taking a tower tour tomorrow, and I've got a couple things I'd like to ask and get information on, and I don't know if I'm nervous or something because I can't really come up with many others.

What are some good questions/topics that I can bring up to help me get the most information out of my tour?

Thanks guys/gals!

polo708 Epic Member tower

The best way to get hired is to make them remember your name... Just ask if you can make a phone call using the red phone. Then, pick it up and just start dialing. They will never forget your name or your face. Well, after that you will be well known by airport security too, so go ahead and drop off a resume downstairs while you are there.


In all seriousness... there isnt much local managers can do these days other than make a request. Sadly in your case not too many managers will go out of their way or use up a favor to request someone off the street with zero experience. Just being professional and polite is about all you can do.

lsufan9981 Senior Member

I don't know if the tower is any different, but I toured the RAPCON facility here in Shreveport right after my AT-SAT score came in. I dressed professionally, smiled, and was polite and grateful to everyone that escorted me around the facility. I met with the air traffic manager, and we talked for about 30-45 minutes. I asked her for any advice since I am an OTSer. She asked me a few questions, and we had a great talk. I've called her twice since then (about once every six weeks) just to keep fresh in her mind and ask if she's heard any updates on hiring. I don't know if what I'm doing is helping me, but I know it's not hurting. A little research and effort on your part goes a long way.

As for questions, I simply confirmed with her what I had researched on the facility (rating, airports controlled, etc.) The air traffic manager seemed pleased that I had taken the time to do even rudimentary research.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

mtlatc Epic Member In a bus down by the river!

K.H. is a great manager...just keep in mind she has washed a lot of new hires out...

polo708 Epic Member tower

Thats not the managers fault... if they cant do it then they cant do it. She's not the one really making the call either. Their training team decides that the trainee cant handle it and recommends wash out. The ATM usually sides with the controllers who work the floor day in and day out.

lsufan9981 Senior Member

She certainly seems to know what she's doing. The guy that gave me the tour told me that the best advice he could give me was "Don't come here acting like you know everything. We've had a couple of guys fall flat, because they thought they knew it all." To which I replied "No problem. I don't know anything. I'm OTS." We had a good laugh with that, but his point was serious. I think they like folks that will study/work hard and leave their ego at the door.

mtlatc Epic Member In a bus down by the river!

Very true. Either you get rated or you don't. I'm just saying OTS folks have had trouble at SHV.

mtlatc Epic Member In a bus down by the river!

If you would like to know more about the facility feel free to PM me.

jwjulian Newcomer

Thanks for the input. I'm not really going "looking" for a job since it's a level 12 and I'm OTS - so working there definitely isn't happening. I'm just going because I'm interested/intrigued and want to learn more about ATC.

I was more or less looking for stuff that someone doesn't normally think of, but glad they asked and received some good info about the subject.

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

Here are some questions to ask, not necessarily in the order given:

1. How long are breaks?

2. Do you have a problem with me wearing flip flops?

3. How much leave do I earn?

4. May I leave the facility for lunch?

5. Is that aircraft on the runway REALLY on fire?

6. How long before I can apply for a management position?

Those are just a few questions to ask.

I make the stupid list because there is no set of questions to ask. There's is hardly enough time in 1 day to obtain sufficient information about the job (in general). The major thing is to probably be quiet, not silent, just quiet. If you see someone taxiing, landing, departing, etc. and it sparks your interest, feel free to ask. If you see some equipment that looks interesting, feel free to ask "hey, what's that for" if you see a target on the scope that's blinking, or yellow, or blue, etc., feel free to ask "hey, what's that guy doing that for?"

It's really no big deal. I guess the most important thing is to be respectful/professional. No, you're not going for an interview, but you really don't want to come off as a jackass.