Jaybird180
Final Approach
Sorry folks this will be the most boring post ever on PoA. I'm only going to discuss what I leaned or found of interest, so move right along, nothing to see here.
Potomac TRACON is located in Warrenton, Va and the drive there has wonderful scenery and is in the middle of nowhere. Its a secure facility so you can't just walk up and tour the place.
They are a consolidated facility, taking over for 5 TRACONS at 1/2 the personnel.
They have what I consider, massive computing power with redundant power supplied by 2 counties, have backup batteries and 4 standby generators (they require 1.5 generator capacity to run the entire facility). Maintenance is in staff 24/7.
They maintain 45 days worth of all data and work products, strips, etc. everything that come through, stays there and if necessary can be investigated on-site.
Potomac is responsible for the airspace known as the DC SFRA and FRZ. In addition to providing ATC services, they also provide post 9/11 security services for which they are not fond of. There really are 2 sides and it was portrayed that security services were thrust upon them by "the forces of Doom", and they receive no credit for the aircraft they only provide security services for.
Pilot education on the distinction between ATC vs Security services is not well disseminated to the pilot community but nevertheless, the ATC side is doing whatever they can to help pilots and is not in favor of pilot deviation reporting, but everyone has a job to do.
There will be a change in services as this generation of controllers retire and the "kids" who did not assess through different levels of controller jobs take over.
Some aspects of the job seems like fun. Some of it isn't much fun.
I'm certain there is something interesting that I omitted, but putting the babies to bed has my attention now. Gotta go.
Potomac TRACON is located in Warrenton, Va and the drive there has wonderful scenery and is in the middle of nowhere. Its a secure facility so you can't just walk up and tour the place.
They are a consolidated facility, taking over for 5 TRACONS at 1/2 the personnel.
They have what I consider, massive computing power with redundant power supplied by 2 counties, have backup batteries and 4 standby generators (they require 1.5 generator capacity to run the entire facility). Maintenance is in staff 24/7.
They maintain 45 days worth of all data and work products, strips, etc. everything that come through, stays there and if necessary can be investigated on-site.
Potomac is responsible for the airspace known as the DC SFRA and FRZ. In addition to providing ATC services, they also provide post 9/11 security services for which they are not fond of. There really are 2 sides and it was portrayed that security services were thrust upon them by "the forces of Doom", and they receive no credit for the aircraft they only provide security services for.
Pilot education on the distinction between ATC vs Security services is not well disseminated to the pilot community but nevertheless, the ATC side is doing whatever they can to help pilots and is not in favor of pilot deviation reporting, but everyone has a job to do.
There will be a change in services as this generation of controllers retire and the "kids" who did not assess through different levels of controller jobs take over.
Some aspects of the job seems like fun. Some of it isn't much fun.
I'm certain there is something interesting that I omitted, but putting the babies to bed has my attention now. Gotta go.