Developmental 1st year "probationary" status question....

oresama420 Newcomer

Hi,

I am a new "developmental" at my facility (going on 3 months...) and just had a hopefully not too complicated question.

Is a big deal made of your being in a first year probationary status? In other words does management look at ALL your records (attendance, performance, every little thing etc.) and make some big decision as to whether to keep you on or not at the "one year" mark? I was under the impression that you are a trainee until you become certified? Or should I not really worry to much about this, as in if I can do the job and am advancing as planned I should be o.k. (and don't really need to worry about the one time I was a minute late coming back from lunch etc.???) I suppose I am little paranoid but......

joecoolinsc Rookie Spartanburg, SC

Be a good employee. Give your training 100% effort. And you should have no reason to worry.

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

Yeah, don't stress on it. People make mistakes and management knows this. It's when you make a habit of coming in late, having an attitude towards others, etc. If you apply yourself and show good work ethics, you should be fine. Even if you are struggling in your training, it all comes down to if your management/training team likes you. If you are a pain in the ass, you won't get any support, but if you are likable and are known to really try (monitoring positions, asking questions, studying during dead times, etc), you'll get all of the support you need.

polo708 Epic Member tower

Management wont just fire you for whatever reason, even though many here will exaggerate a bit and say it that way. Bottom line is that the FAA will spend tens of thousands of dollars to train you so giving you the boot for no real reason is a bit far fetched. With ATC you can usually tell very early who can and can't handle it. Also if you are a douchebag and unable to work with others then it gives them a means to fire you if they want to. I think you will haveto go over the top to get the boot. That or just be terrible at your job... Dont worry about it too much.

oresama420 Newcomer

THAT certainly makes alot of sense to me, thanks.

Unfortunately not something that is my forte lol Not that I am rude or do not get along with my co-workers but I'm just sort of naturally shy and not really that talkative, just my personality, nothing I do deliberately. I do work hard and ask questions though so hopefully everyone will recognize that if nothing else, (or hopefully I just won't ever be in a position to where how much everyone likes me determines my fate to any degree!) Anyhow thanks for the responses. -

polo708 Epic Member tower

Its not being shy or anti-social that will anger your trainer/supervisor. If you go in there being overly cocky and act as if you are above being trained when you have no aviation experience, or act like you know everything. That is what will most likely get you on everyones hate list.

Being shy but taking criticism and showing an interest in training is far from a reason to be terminated early.

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

As a matter of fact, I prefer the "shy" ones who keep their mouths shut, open a book, learn, and accept training. Yeah, some easily get involved in the side conversations and b.s., then a plane calls and they're like "calling, say again". Just keep your nose in the books, NEVER correct any qualified individual (i.e., hey, Ralph, tell this guy to go here like this... DON'T come back and say "but the book says," or "well at CTI school I was taught this".) Do what your told and be seen, not heard. Oh yeah, and showing up to work on time and prepared is always a good thing too... haha.