Back in the Saddle

I finally started my On-the-job training today--felt good to talk to airplanes again, even if I couldn't understand what alot of them were saying. Mostly, I stumbled over unfamiliar call signs (Azerberjaini, Ariana, Kish Air, Osman, Omani, Bahrani, Saudi, Donarvia, India Express, Swiss Ambulance, Blue Silver, Safa, Aerostana, and a few that just used 3-letter phonetics) and some off the wall operations. I also had to deal with the ideosyncracies of some of my old work habits...everytime I cleared someone for takeoff I picked the strip up to scan the barcode--except we don't use barcodes; gave one aircraft 'taxi in position and hold' instead of 'Line up and wait' (didn't even realize I had done it until my trainer said something). I did get to clear DAL 8 to land, but didn't stick around to see if he actually made it...time to go home!

One of the clearances they use over here is one I swore I wouldn't use...and it was one of the first ones I used: 'Behind the landing A330 line up and wait RWY 30 R.' All I can say is when in Dubai, do as the Dubains do. We also had a GulfAir cleared runway heading (and he even verified runway heading) make a 60 degree right turn off the runway. I wanted to ask him if he was using one of the Atlanta RNAV SIDs. Apparently there are a few air carriers you really have to watch.

My crew consists of some ex-Heathrow guys, a South African, and a couple Emerati nationals, including the first female controller--who is also a member of the Royal family (haven't got the whole story yet, but she is very funny and pretty cool). I think I wound up with a good, laid back, fun crew. My trainer got a kick out of the fact that I actually say 'niner;' said he had never heard that used before.

Training is mandatory 40 days, so target mid February for the checkout party. Everyone is invited!