AFAIK QLK use D in the callsign when it's a DH8D (400 series). Sure it's saved the ass of plenty of controllers who may have inadvertently stuck it in behind an A or C.

My guess is Virgin do similar to indicate when it's one of their ATRs for much the same reason..

Director does the spacing for parallel runway ops. It's a console position and aircraft transfer from director to tower.

Whispr is right. "A" ATR, "D" Dash8 Delta due to significant performance differences.

Rellim you may not get a confirming email for up to 4-6 weeks after, but they will tell you either way (pass / fail). If you think you've slipped through the cracks, you can always give them a call to see what's happening.

Two More Questions
 

WhisperSYD / Le Pingouin,

Is it a procedural requirement for all DH8 & the other 'A' type Velocity aircraft to have the respective 'D' & 'A' suffix to their call sign? Or do they sometimes not?

And my second question... I was originally always thinking of opting for Area / En-Route Control, if I'm successful in my ASA application, but have recently been swayed towards Tower Control.

Can anyone offer some insight & opinion into what each role is like?
How hectic is Tower Control VS En-Route?
Has anyone done both & enjoyed one more than the other?


Cheers,

SDC :ok:

thanks, received a response yesterday (Monday) to arrange the telephone interview.:)

Just a question out of curiosity to anyone who may be able to answer...I noticed an ASA ad for SSO recruitment to be based in Perth. Has there always been sim training in WA, or is this a new development?

Not applying for it (currently in the middle of the lengthy ATC recruitment process), but was just wondering what the deal is, since I thought all training was in MEL and BNE :)

SDC, not exactly sure how the addition of "A" and "D" is arranged (presumably the airline planning sections looks after it) but I don't recall it being stuffed up.

I've never worked tower, but I've spent enough hours watching to know both en-route and tower can have their moments. Both operate along the lines of "90% boredom, 10% terror" plus or minus.

Many of the towers aren't 24 hour operations (regional, secondary, GAAP) so if you go tower you may not work night shifts but may be posted all over the countryside. Whereas if you go en-route you'll work nights eventually (once you have enough ratings) but will stay in Melbourne or Brisbane.

JLS, the basic courses are run in Melbourne and Brisbane but there are also simulators in the Melbourne and Brisbane centres, and assorted TCUs to provide sector specific training, other generic training, testing new procedures and software. Basically any time you train for a new sector, whether you're fresh out of the college or gained your first rating 20 years ago, you need to pass a simulator course before being unleashed on the flying public for on-the-job training with real aeroplanes.

le Pingouin,

Regional, secondary and GAAP towers no longer exist. The classifications are:
Radar (ML, SY, BN etc.) Class D (HB, LT, BRM etc.) and Metro D (MB, PF, BK (etc.)

For those going to Approach or Tower, please learn your aircraft types.
DH8D is a Dash 8 400, not Dash 8 Delta
AT45 is an ATR42, 500 series
If it is some rarely used type in your area, I can understand controllers getting it wrong. As against a supposed professional showing their ignorance for regularly operated types. :ugh::ugh::ugh:

Actual real world scenario:

ATC: ABC confirm aircraft type
Pilot: ABC Dash8D

A pilot will refer to the ICAO code not the actual type.

Another example B777-300ER has the ICAO code B77W and that is what pilots will use.

The Academy has simulators in ML and BN, but there are also operational
simulators in ML, SY, BN and PH. The op. sims have their own SSO's.

Yeah, I'm a dinosaur and like to use names that actually mean something. I still do arrivals, even though that ceased to exist 15+ years ago.

As to aircraft types - in the centre we generally refer to a DH8D as a "Delta". The Virgin ATRs as "ATRs". I'd argue it's far more important to know performance characteristics based on the ICAO aircraft code than knowing what the manufacturer's model designation is. One will help you to separate aircraft, the other will not.

Rellim,

Great news!
My only advice for the phone interview would be to have a good read through the position description & requirements for ATC on the ASA website.

Don't stress too much. The phone interview isn't too onerous.

Thanks for the replies le Pingouin and Hempy....hadn't really crossed my mind they would have a sim here for local staff at the Perth TCU....but it makes sense of course.

Duh - Of course the pilot will respond that way to that question.

I am talking about using acft type to give info to a lightie.
"Follow the AT45". What does the low time C172 pilot look for: low/high wing, number of engines etc. If you say "follow the ATR42", they will probably have a much better idea
My comment made with 35 years ATC experience, hopefully there is a little bit of knowledge there.

Fair enough, read it again and realised it sounded a bit harsh. Would it not be better though to say follow the Dash 8 in the context of a low hours pilot as all series look pretty similar in the air?

Agree with that, though I do say Dash 8 400 when wake turbulence caution is being given.

Always thought the D suffix was used for significantly delayed flights, to potentially avoid having two flights airborne with the same flight number at the same time. Pretty sure that is ICAOs guidance.

As for the D being used in the flight number to indicate that it is a DH8D and therefore a different wake turbulence player than the A, B and C models, surely simply knowing that a D is greater than 25000kg MTOW, as most professionals in this occupation should, will suffice. :ugh: :confused:

Anyway, long time lurker, first time poster. Nice to be on board. :)

Air Niugini don't use D in callsign for DH8Ds. I don't remember any wake turb issues as a result,

For en-route the wake turbulence issue is largely irrelevant. It's a handy reminder of the significant performance difference between a "C" and a "D" without having to carefully peer at the aircraft type, particularly for those who operate without extended labels. An unexpected 90kts closing can be no fun.

Congrats! Wish you the very best!

Some specfici moving questions
 

Hey guys. I had a few questions regarding my upcoming move. I know I will probably get some information in a few weeks but I would like to start planning some things ...

1. Does anyone have bank recommendations? I can't really find anything that stands out over the big 4. Thought maybe some of you might have an opinion.

2. I know I have to eventually buy a car. I do not know the state registration rules. I have training in Melbourne before working at Sydney. Am I better off buying a car in Sydney one weekend and then driving it back to Melbourne to avoid possibly having to change registration states or is Melbourne ok?

3. Does anyone know the amount of time between the end of training and arriving at the facility? (Just curious if time to search for a place during that time).

4. Is there anything (within reason - LOL!!) that they would like from the US? If I have any room left, I will try to do my best.

Thanks for all your help!
Jason

Interstate vehicles < Get a new rego < Registration < Roads and Maritime Services




1. Does anyone have bank recommendations? I can't really find anything that stands out over the big 4. Thought maybe some of you might have an opinion.

Not much to choose between them.

2. I know I have to eventually buy a car. I do not know the state registration rules. I have training in Melbourne before working at Sydney. Am I better off buying a car in Sydney one weekend and then driving it back to Melbourne to avoid possibly having to change registration states or is Melbourne ok?

Follow this link.
Interstate vehicles < Get a new rego < Registration < Roads and Maritime Services

In Melbourne it depends on whether you are buying new or used. New no problems. Used from a reputable dealer is ok as they are required by law to provide a roadworthy certificate and will do the registration paperwork for you. Private sale of a used car: some owners will provide the certificate, others won't and you will have to foo the bill. It can get expensive and you'll have to queue at a Vicroads office to register the car. If you buy in Melbourne and then move to Sydney, you will need an inspection to register there. If you buy in Sydney and drive to ML, there is no problem driving in ML for the length of your course.

3. Does anyone know the amount of time between the end of training and arriving at the facility? (Just curious if time to search for a place during that time).
It can be quick of can take longer depending on your circumstances. You'll find out when you get here.

See you in the Academy.

Thanks for the input. I do appreciate it. Hopefully you won't beat me up too much while there :P

Nah, the instructors there are all a bunch of softies :)

Had news recently that I have been accepted by Airservices to commence course on 10th November. Final location - Adelaide TCU.

Hi Benjipc


What was the re-test for?

Experienced International Controllers
 

Anyone else from the experienced ATC side also waiting for their interview with ASA? I was invited for testing in Feb, passed and then was told to expect interviews in May/June. Got an email last week to complete some recognition of prior experience forms, email also stated that a communication will be sent out in the next few weeks with interview dates.

I'm not sure which TWR location I am interviewing for. Anyone in the know have any ideas? I originally applied for the regional TWRs position last year but was I told I was not shortlisted and that my details will be circulated for other possible positions, then I received the invite for testing in Feb.

Cheers:ok:

Hey guys, my status is currently showing reference check complete just wondering if you guys have an indication on approximate time it will take them to advise if successful or not from here? Any ideas? Thanks :)

Urbandan.

My status still says reference check complete - I don't think that changes even when you get accepted into a course. Once your reference check is complete, you're pretty much in. Just pending placement, offer letter, medicals, security clearances etc....

I started my journey in maybe March/April 2013....I found out I had been successful in September (the day after my reference checks were complete from memory), now I'm just waiting to be placed on a course. Unfortunately I wasn't able to start on the October 2013 Brisbane enroute course as planned because my ASIC (security clearance) didn't process in time - I have my fingers crossed for the next course.

Hey guys,

I did the online assessment today and found it a bit more stressful than I had expected. Overall, I think I did ok, but I guess I will find out soon enough.

Does anyone know the current time to hear back after completing the online assessment?

Cheers!

Edit: Realised my question has been answered on the last page. My bad!

hi Mhossen,

I did my test last night.

I got an email this morning to book a phone interview.

Hi all,

I submitted the online application about 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything at all.
Does this mean I was unsuccessful, or is there sometimes a long waiting period from initial application to online testing?

Hi all,

How long is the typical wait between application and online assessment? I see some of you have done the online testing over the last week or so.

I submitted my application online 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. Does this mean I was unsuccessful?

Hello mate;

My final desination will also be Adelaide TCU!
Please check your PM...

Best of luck!

Regional Towers
 

What a ride!!! Finally, LOO accepted and starting the paperwork. I need to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that has contributed to this thread.

Following the rabbit in the hole was a wise choise - met some friends along the way too. ;)

Anyone else in for the same positions that wants to PM or email, please do.

To all that are still dreaming, don't let anybody tell you it can't be done - it can. You just need to keep up to be able to get on the train though.

Health insurance, 8th SEPT, Adelaide TCU
 

The previous post is great!
Do believe in you and always follow your goals!

Hello everybody; it has been a while since the last time I read PPRUNE and it is great to see that a number of doubts are common to all of us.

As I will be an expat, it is funny to see CLEAR2LAND78 questions...:bored:
I have exactly the same questions that I bet are basic for everybody else:)

Besides the banks, I am lost regarding HEALTH INSURANCE.
Does anybody have any advise on a good choice or, as with the banks, no big difference between them?

I bet that most of you do not have a private health insurance as you all have medicare... however, any help would be great.

Finally, anybody starting on the 8th of September at Melbourne?

And, anybody with Adelaide TCU as final location?

All the best to everybody!
Cheers, Sixchecked

@benjipc thank you for the info

This is the Goverment site PrivateHealth.gov.au - Australian Health Insurance Information

A couple of points
Asa banks with commonwealth, ie employees also banking with commonwealth tend to recieve their pay a little earlier

Health insurance - there is a corporate offer I believe that you may want to consider depending on your needs