 |
Controller Profiles: Barbara Walton
What made you decide to become an air traffic controller? "I was guided into it by chance, step by step. I had no aviation background and no idea what I was getting into. I applied initially because my mother sent me an ad ripped from the paper that said, 'Call this 1-800 number and you can be an air traffic controller.'" How did you become an air traffic controller? "I was part of the post-strike hiring, when everyone who applied had an opportunity to succeed, than trained from a zero-knowledge point. I have been very lucky in that almost all of my instructors have been extremely knowledgeable." Describe a typical day. "A typical day is never typical; the job is, by nature, reactive to others' decisions to fly and the weather conditions. So no day is like any other, whether in the radar room or the tower. There are usually highs and lows to each day, as traffic peaks and wanes; the amount a crew meshes while working traffic can also be a factor in how difficult or complex a session is." What's the best part of your job? "The chance to make a difference in the world on a daily basis, by doing a job that is critical, challenging and not for everyone." What's the worst part of your job? "When something goes wrong for a pilot and, despite your best efforts, you become a spectator to tragedy." What's unique about the facility where you work? "About 80 percent of the pilots we work with are training to receive their private, commercial, multi-engine or instrument ratings, and many of them are foreign which makes the language barrier an additional challenge. More than half are from almost any European or Asian country you can think of, with a few from Africa or South America." Why do you prefer working in your type of facility (tower, TRACON or center)? "I prefer the TRACON to the tower because I really enjoy working the radar traffic. I take special pride in a really well-spaced final when I can make that happen." What are three important characteristics that you believe a controller needs? 1. "Decisive" 2. "Able to think ahead of the traffic" 3. "Willing to work as a team member" What's the most challenging situation you've ever had to handle? "I have been involved in a couple dozen saves in my career; and almost all of them resulted from noticing a small thing that wasn't quite right and doing something about it. Every time I took the extra time and it made a difference in the end, I thanked God and promised myself I would continue to be vigilant." How difficult is it for women in this profession? "I think this job is very difficult for women. It's generally necessary to be at least a little better than average in order to obtain acceptance as part of the team. A woman has to overcome the perception that she was artificially hired or promoted beyond her abilities or merit. Once a woman has proven herself, which men also must do, she is generally accepted." Where do you go from here? Where do you see yourself in the future? "I am nearing retirement age; I believe I will spend the remainder of my career in my present facility. However, depending on which direction the agency takes, I may look for other opportunities within my career field." Main Menu |
