Re: Busy?
Most pilots don't realize that we transmit and recive on more than one frequency so you only hear one small portion of what is really going on.
For example where I work I utilize up to nine (9) frequencies. I have 2 primary VHF and 2 primary UHF's frequencies, 2 Satelite airport frequencies, and I monitor both VHF and UHF guard, then I have a backup frequency in case one of the primaries fails. If we split off a portion of my sector then I'm down to only 6 or 7 frequencies that I transmit or have to monitor.
Add to the above that I also have 6 direct coordination lines to adjoining approaches or centers, and several dial lines to FSS's and Flow controls at the Centers that I also have to monitor and coordinate on.
We may not always sound busy but we may be because of coordination being accomplished and or the traffic being worked on other frequencies, or training be given to a new controller.
Mike