Known as the "Elite of the Fleet" , a small but unique class of individuals that work as team to keep not only our military air spaces safe, but as well as airports all over safe with expeditious movement!
Would you mind giving some additional information on AC's do not do AWAT? I read that all newcomers to the Aviation Training facility are required. Is that not the case?
@Roni13. Not the case. AWAT and ATT are for people who "do stuff" ACs talk. Even if your son goes to a ship he'll avoid most of the dangerous work that AWAT and ATT prepare you for.
Hi Sandi805. I'm betting our sons are in the same class.
I'm not sure myself, as the news that the class was actually going to happen sooner than later was a huge relief to us. There was a week delay, so now everything seems to have been kicked into high gear.
I've asked my son if he would fill me in on the details when he calls this weekend.
My daughter is an AC and she just arrived @ A school on Jan. 9th. She has not gotten any word yet on when classes will start. She has been doing INDOC this week.
Hi all, new to this group. Just a couple of questions please. My son doesn't leave for bootcamp until July, but this is his rate. He is beyond thrilled to get his dream rate. I have been reading up on it and I am reading that it is a very demanding rate. Is there a high washout rate for this? I hear that a lot of failures in any rate is due to immaturity, being out on their own for the fist time, and underage drinking. Any thoughts on this would be great. Thanks!
Yes, it has a high washout rate, but only because people get distracted easily. When your son gets there, he needs to be ready to hit the books. No parties, no trying to find a girlfriend. Studying. Also, it's one of the only rates where how well you do in your class determines where you go. So, unless your son wants to end up at Nas Middle-Of-Nowhere, he has to stay focused. In general, even a bone head can pass if they understand that they are there for schooling and stay in the books.
Hi Katydids61, It is tough but the class size is small. It seems to take a while for the AC's to class up because there are not many of them so he will need some patience. My son was like yours beyond thrilled to get this rate. JL is right your son can pick if they are at the top of their class. My son finished 3rd and was not very happy with his station only because it is a very small town in the middle of Mississippi. So kind of no where. But I am happy because I can drive there and he has been home a few times. Good Luck!!
My son just started block 3 this past week. Block 1 was extremely hard, with lots of studying and tests. Mandatory 3/4 hours of studying per night, mine did 5/6. Only 2/3 out of his class of 16 made it to block 2. Block 2 was a little less stressful and kind of fun because they got to go in simulators. Block 3 is radar. Difficult and I think only one big test. The key is studying and staying focussed and not getting distracted. The fear of failing and getting sent back into the fleet can be a good reminder to stay focused.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. He is older going in at 24 so he is past the point of just becoming independent, being out of the house, and partying. Hopefully he will have some others there with him closer to his age. I would imagine it is hard for those younger out on their own for the first time and the all the temptations! It is a long ways off, but eventually he will get there. Thanks!
I'm happy to have found this group :) My daughter heads to Boot Camp in April and then on to AC school. She's super excited and I'm sure hoping she's ready to work like heck the minute she gets there! I'm curious what happens when an unfortunate student has to exit the school.
My daughter is currently in week 4 of block 1. There have already been a few students who have been dropped. They have either been sent to the fleet or put into a different rate.
Son at BTC now - PIR 5/15/2017 Bulls Unit ship 06 Div 147, will go to A school for AC, signed contract in May of 16 - scored high enough to be Specops Diver - but Refractive got him to stick with AC contract.... any other moms within this group part of that unit?
Hi Kris, Welcome! When my son was at BC he was the only AC in his Ship/Div so don't be surprised if you do not find any others. Did you find his Facebook group?
Hi, new to the group! My son just finished 3 years as an AC at Naval Station Rota. He just moved back to Pensacola and has applied to OCS and aviation school. This program and his assignment have been amazing for him. I don't know if any of our experiences can help out those headed into the program, but if so, let me know!
ProudofNavySons, Hello, My son is going to Pensacola in July to take the air traffic control classes. I'd love to hear any information you have on that. From what I've seen it is a very tough course to pass. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Amber His PIR was 2.10 and he flew to Pensacola on Sunday 2.12 Was supposed to start classes on the 23rd of Feb but they didn't have enough students for the classes. He spent the waiting time with Indoctrination (learning about Navy life at NAS Pensacola), mustering (roll call every few hours), cleaning (lots of cleaning), and working out. He also worked on getting qualifications on different watches (duties) to work his way up the Liberty Phases. He was at the third and final phase shortly after his classes finally started.
Classes for Air Traffic Control are divided into three blocks. The first block is six weeks long and involves studying a topic for one to three days and then taking a test over the material. Get the test score within the hour and then start the next topic. Studied weather, etc) The second block consists of three simulations studied and practiced for three weeks. The sims are intense with almost as many instructors as students. They simulate working the air traffic, landing planes, etc. The final testing was challenging for my son's group. He was the only one to pass the first day the tests were given, three more passed the second day and ten still failed. Those ten had one more chance to pass. If they didn't, they would be moved back a class and would take the block over. The third block just started. It is another six week block. After the first week's testing, the rest of the time will be sims.
Encourage your sailor to get a study group together. It helps and they have so much to learn in very short time frames.
We visited our sailor mid April (about 8 weeks after PIR) and will be going again in July to see his graduation (which is not nearly as big as PIR). But, we love the beach so visiting the week before will give us beach time and time with him before his graduation.
Sorry, this is so much... lol but, let me know if you have any other questions. :-)
My son will be graduating from Jacksonville Air Traffic Control School July 21st is the date so far. He is really excited....when he graduates he is going to Italy. He said the school can be intense be sure and ask questions if they dont understand something.
TrueBlue Feel free to ask anything. My son has been at NAS Pensacola since February. I visited the base for a week in April. If I don't know an answer, I can ask him.
TrueBlueAmber There are several ships (barracks) at NAS Pensacola. There are some for the Marines, Air Force, and Navy. My son was in one for several weeks, then the whole barracks were moved to another one as the barracks changed from Navy to one of the other military branches. The sailors are in a room with three bunks and share a bathroom with another room. My son has only had one roommate and one headmate.
My son leaves for BC in about a week. Then after he will be headed to Pensacola for Air Traffic Controller. I am sure I am driving my son nuts telling him all I am researching and what to expect, but helps put me at ease knowing. Excited, proud and of course worried that all you teach has sunk in...LOL.
HDragonfly 42. My son went through BC a year ago and than went to Pensacola for Air Traffic Controller school. He is now stationed in NJ. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Hey ladies! I'm looking for PIR / graduation ideas for my niece.
We already got her luggage & pearls for high school graduation and have some ideas for "A" school graduation but I need help / suggestions for boot camp graduation.
I guess maybe because I don't know what she can have or will need at "'A" school - Please help...
my Sailor is currently at A school in Pensacola and let me tell you he loves it there. He went through basic in the winter months and was very happy to get back to his home state. As for what they can have I will just tell you what my son has with him at this time and it is all allowed. Some things they have to ask for a special chit for high dollar items but he got it. He has a 19 in. TV, xbox1, Nintendo switch, Nintendo DS, some of his own clothes, watch, his necklace with a cross on it, computer, tablet, phone, and games that are allowed with him. They just have to remember when they leave they have to pack it and ship it where they are going or someone needs to meet them and pick it up. Many of them sell things when they are preparing to ship somewhere new. My son has been there for two months now. He had to wait for about a month for his class to start. He is scheduled to graduate in November as long as he passes everything and doesn't get held back. Good luck to your niece. If you have any other questions. Please feel free to ask.
Hello! My son graduated from Navy boot camp on 10/12 and arrived in Pensacola yesterday to start A school in Air Traffic Control. Very appreciative of this website and all the support provided on here!
Hello mom’s, I have a son shipping off to BC in 2 weeks. I’m trying to get myself in ready mode. Thanks for all the comments you’ve added thus far, it’s helping.
Roni13
Hi @AZMOM.
Would you mind giving some additional information on AC's do not do AWAT? I read that all newcomers to the Aviation Training facility are required. Is that not the case?
Oct 26, 2015
JL (Ship 12 DIV 85)
Oct 27, 2015
azmom
Thanks JL
Hi Roni13 Is your sailor in A School right now? Mine is there and will graduate next Friday. She will be home after that for 10 day leave.
Nov 4, 2015
Sandi805
Nov 18, 2015
Roni13
Hi Sandi805. I'm betting our sons are in the same class.
I'm not sure myself, as the news that the class was actually going to happen sooner than later was a huge relief to us. There was a week delay, so now everything seems to have been kicked into high gear.
I've asked my son if he would fill me in on the details when he calls this weekend.
Nov 19, 2015
Sandi805
Jan 6, 2016
SaltLakeMom
My daughter is an AC and she just arrived @ A school on Jan. 9th. She has not gotten any word yet on when classes will start. She has been doing INDOC this week.
Jan 15, 2016
MarNavyMom
Welcome SaltLakeMom
Jan 15, 2016
katydids61
Hi all, new to this group. Just a couple of questions please. My son doesn't leave for bootcamp until July, but this is his rate. He is beyond thrilled to get his dream rate. I have been reading up on it and I am reading that it is a very demanding rate. Is there a high washout rate for this? I hear that a lot of failures in any rate is due to immaturity, being out on their own for the fist time, and underage drinking. Any thoughts on this would be great. Thanks!
Feb 7, 2016
JL (Ship 12 DIV 85)
Feb 7, 2016
MarNavyMom
Hi Katydids61, It is tough but the class size is small. It seems to take a while for the AC's to class up because there are not many of them so he will need some patience. My son was like yours beyond thrilled to get this rate. JL is right your son can pick if they are at the top of their class. My son finished 3rd and was not very happy with his station only because it is a very small town in the middle of Mississippi. So kind of no where. But I am happy because I can drive there and he has been home a few times. Good Luck!!
Feb 7, 2016
Sandi805
Feb 7, 2016
katydids61
Thanks for the feedback everyone. He is older going in at 24 so he is past the point of just becoming independent, being out of the house, and partying. Hopefully he will have some others there with him closer to his age. I would imagine it is hard for those younger out on their own for the first time and the all the temptations! It is a long ways off, but eventually he will get there. Thanks!
Feb 8, 2016
cocoloco2
I'm happy to have found this group :) My daughter heads to Boot Camp in April and then on to AC school. She's super excited and I'm sure hoping she's ready to work like heck the minute she gets there! I'm curious what happens when an unfortunate student has to exit the school.
Feb 17, 2016
SaltLakeMom
My daughter is currently in week 4 of block 1. There have already been a few students who have been dropped. They have either been sent to the fleet or put into a different rate.
Feb 17, 2016
cocoloco2
SaltLakeMom, do you know if they have any say in what rating they're moved to?
Feb 17, 2016
SaltLakeMom
http://navyformoms.com/group/sailorsinpensicolaflforaschool
cocoloco2 - check out this group too when your daughter gets to Pensacola. Lots of great info
Feb 17, 2016
SaltLakeMom
They have to take whatever is available at that time or go undesignated
Feb 17, 2016
cocoloco2
Thanks for the info and link, SaltLakeMom.
Feb 17, 2016
Kris
Son at BTC now - PIR 5/15/2017 Bulls Unit ship 06 Div 147, will go to A school for AC, signed contract in May of 16 - scored high enough to be Specops Diver - but Refractive got him to stick with AC contract.... any other moms within this group part of that unit?
Mar 27, 2017
MarNavyMom
Hi Kris, Welcome! When my son was at BC he was the only AC in his Ship/Div so don't be surprised if you do not find any others. Did you find his Facebook group?
Mar 27, 2017
MarNavyMom
Great! There is more!
Mar 27, 2017
TrueBlue
My son will be leaving for BC in August. I am looking forward to learning what I can about RTC and then in to A school in Pensacola.
Thanks for including me in the group.
Apr 23, 2017
ProudofNavySons
Hi, new to the group! My son just finished 3 years as an AC at Naval Station Rota. He just moved back to Pensacola and has applied to OCS and aviation school. This program and his assignment have been amazing for him. I don't know if any of our experiences can help out those headed into the program, but if so, let me know!
Jun 2, 2017
Amber
ProudofNavySons, Hello, My son is going to Pensacola in July to take the air traffic control classes. I'd love to hear any information you have on that. From what I've seen it is a very tough course to pass. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Jun 4, 2017
applepi
Amber, My son just started his third block of classes for AC and should graduate July 14. Would be happy to share his experiences.
Jun 4, 2017
Amber
Appiepi, would love to hear his experiences.
Jun 4, 2017
Twinky
Jun 4, 2017
applepi
Amber His PIR was 2.10 and he flew to Pensacola on Sunday 2.12 Was supposed to start classes on the 23rd of Feb but they didn't have enough students for the classes. He spent the waiting time with Indoctrination (learning about Navy life at NAS Pensacola), mustering (roll call every few hours), cleaning (lots of cleaning), and working out. He also worked on getting qualifications on different watches (duties) to work his way up the Liberty Phases. He was at the third and final phase shortly after his classes finally started.
Classes for Air Traffic Control are divided into three blocks. The first block is six weeks long and involves studying a topic for one to three days and then taking a test over the material. Get the test score within the hour and then start the next topic. Studied weather, etc) The second block consists of three simulations studied and practiced for three weeks. The sims are intense with almost as many instructors as students. They simulate working the air traffic, landing planes, etc. The final testing was challenging for my son's group. He was the only one to pass the first day the tests were given, three more passed the second day and ten still failed. Those ten had one more chance to pass. If they didn't, they would be moved back a class and would take the block over. The third block just started. It is another six week block. After the first week's testing, the rest of the time will be sims.
Encourage your sailor to get a study group together. It helps and they have so much to learn in very short time frames.
We visited our sailor mid April (about 8 weeks after PIR) and will be going again in July to see his graduation (which is not nearly as big as PIR). But, we love the beach so visiting the week before will give us beach time and time with him before his graduation.
Sorry, this is so much... lol but, let me know if you have any other questions. :-)
Jun 4, 2017
applepi
Twinky Are you able to see my long post? Let me know if you or your sailor have any questions. :-)
As a teacher, I ask my son so many questions. And he's a good sport who answers me most of the time. lol
Jun 4, 2017
TrueBlue
Jun 4, 2017
TammyCodysMom
Jun 4, 2017
applepi
TrueBlue Feel free to ask anything. My son has been at NAS Pensacola since February. I visited the base for a week in April. If I don't know an answer, I can ask him.
Jun 5, 2017
Amber
TrueBlue. What did your son do for housing?
Jun 6, 2017
TrueBlue
What do you mean about housing? I thought that would be assigned to them at A school.
Jun 6, 2017
applepi
TrueBlue Amber There are several ships (barracks) at NAS Pensacola. There are some for the Marines, Air Force, and Navy. My son was in one for several weeks, then the whole barracks were moved to another one as the barracks changed from Navy to one of the other military branches. The sailors are in a room with three bunks and share a bathroom with another room. My son has only had one roommate and one headmate.
Jun 7, 2017
applepi
My Sailor will be graduating A school in Pensacola next month. Does anyone know if there's a limit on the number of people who may attend graduation?
Jun 15, 2017
TammyCodysMom
Jun 15, 2017
applepi
TammyCodysMom . Thank you!!
Jun 15, 2017
TammyCodysMom
Jun 16, 2017
applepi
TammyCodysMom He has tentative orders for Greece! oh my!
Jun 16, 2017
NaptownMom
Does anyone recommend a laptop for ATC school?
May 9, 2018
HDragonfly42
My son leaves for BC in about a week. Then after he will be headed to Pensacola for Air Traffic Controller. I am sure I am driving my son nuts telling him all I am researching and what to expect, but helps put me at ease knowing. Excited, proud and of course worried that all you teach has sunk in...LOL.
Jun 3, 2018
Amber
HDragonfly 42. My son went through BC a year ago and than went to Pensacola for Air Traffic Controller school. He is now stationed in NJ. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Jun 3, 2018
hruark01
Hey ladies! I'm looking for PIR / graduation ideas for my niece.
We already got her luggage & pearls for high school graduation and have some ideas for "A" school graduation but I need help / suggestions for boot camp graduation.
I guess maybe because I don't know what she can have or will need at "'A" school - Please help...
Thank you!
Aug 8, 2018
Casey's mom
Hello hruark01,
my Sailor is currently at A school in Pensacola and let me tell you he loves it there. He went through basic in the winter months and was very happy to get back to his home state. As for what they can have I will just tell you what my son has with him at this time and it is all allowed. Some things they have to ask for a special chit for high dollar items but he got it. He has a 19 in. TV, xbox1, Nintendo switch, Nintendo DS, some of his own clothes, watch, his necklace with a cross on it, computer, tablet, phone, and games that are allowed with him. They just have to remember when they leave they have to pack it and ship it where they are going or someone needs to meet them and pick it up. Many of them sell things when they are preparing to ship somewhere new. My son has been there for two months now. He had to wait for about a month for his class to start. He is scheduled to graduate in November as long as he passes everything and doesn't get held back. Good luck to your niece. If you have any other questions. Please feel free to ask.
Tammy
Aug 12, 2018
Mark
Sep 7, 2018
Amber
Welcome Mark. My son finished air traffic control school last November. If you have questions feel free to ask.
Sep 7, 2018
Kris
Hello! My son graduated from Navy boot camp on 10/12 and arrived in Pensacola yesterday to start A school in Air Traffic Control. Very appreciative of this website and all the support provided on here!
Oct 15, 2018
AustinsMom
Hello mom’s, I have a son shipping off to BC in 2 weeks. I’m trying to get myself in ready mode. Thanks for all the comments you’ve added thus far, it’s helping.
Oct 23, 2018