Air Traffic Controller and Pilot
My name is Sarah Owens, and I live in Olathe, KS. I live with my husband,
two dogs and two cats. Growing up I had always wanted to learn how to fly.
I would love going to the local airport and watching the planes take off and
land. I could stay and watch them for hours! I thought that I wanted a
career in business, but I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do. In 1998 I
decided that I was going to join the Air Force.
I joined the Air Force to become more closely involved in aviation. I chose to
become an Air Traffic Controller. Learning how to be an Air Traffic Controller
was an intense process. It involved long hours of studying to learn all the
rules and regulations that pilots and controllers abide by. I had to spend
many hours in a simulator to learn how to issue clearances to the pilots.
Once I finished my simulator training, I got to work with real traffic. You
have an ATC Instructor who sits with you and has the ability to override any
transmissions that the trainee makes. Being an ATC Instructor and a CFI
are very similar. You need to be able to let the student make mistakes so
they learn, but be able to correct the situation before it get's out of control.
I am so glad that I realized that a career in business wasn't for me, I
absolutely love being an Air Traffic Controller! As an Air Traffic Controller I
am responsible for the safety of all aircraft in my sector. Every day is a new
adventure and there are never two days that are exactly alike! I currently
work as an En route Air Traffic Controller for the FAA at Kansas City Center.
I monitor the aircraft from a radar display that is hundred's of miles away
from where the aircraft are actually flying. Being an Air Traffic Controller is a
very rewarding job. I enjoy being able to make the pilot's time flying
through my airspace, a pleasant experience, and I'm always available to offer
assistance if any difficulties arise. Math plays a large role in the daily
decisions of an Air Traffic Controller. Each vector, altitude change, and
speed adjustment issued, involves some quick mental math calculations. The
best part of my job is being able to help pilots. Interacting with pilots on a
daily basis, is what really sparked my interest to become a pilot.
Finally in 2006, I decided that I was going to get my private pilot's license. I
learned how to fly at the Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC), in Olathe,
KS. Learning how to fly, was a very challenging and exciting process. There
were times that I was struggling and I didn't think that I would be able to
accomplish my goal. I would leave the airport frustrated, but the next day I
always wanted to fly again. Learning how to fly, taught me that I am a very
determined person, and that anyone can reach their goals, if they set their
mind to it. I obtained my private pilot's license on November 19th 2007. I
spent many hours just doing "touch n go's" in the traffic pattern and flying
locally for my $100 Hamburger. My husband enjoys flying with me, and
many times people assume that he is the pilot!
I decided that I wanted to do more with my license. I was reading an
aviation magazine and saw an article for Pilot's N Paw's. Pilot's N Paw's is a
group of volunteer pilot's who fly shelter animals to their new adoptive
homes. I have always been an animal lover and I wanted to become involved
in this organization. I try to fly one animal rescue per month. I have
currently flown 16 flights and have rescued approximately 40 animals. It's a
great way to volunteer, gain cross country experience and see new airports!
I just finished my Instrument Rating on November 18th, 2011. I would also
like to be able to become involved with Wings of Hope and Angel Flight. I am
hoping to compete in the Woman's Air Race Classic this June. Someday I
would like to obtain my Commercial Rating. I fly a C152, C172, C177 and a
Bonanza.
My name is Sarah Owens, and I live in Olathe, KS. I live with my husband,
two dogs and two cats. Growing up I had always wanted to learn how to fly.
I would love going to the local airport and watching the planes take off and
land. I could stay and watch them for hours! I thought that I wanted a
career in business, but I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do. In 1998 I
decided that I was going to join the Air Force.
I joined the Air Force to become more closely involved in aviation. I chose to
become an Air Traffic Controller. Learning how to be an Air Traffic Controller
was an intense process. It involved long hours of studying to learn all the
rules and regulations that pilots and controllers abide by. I had to spend
many hours in a simulator to learn how to issue clearances to the pilots.
Once I finished my simulator training, I got to work with real traffic. You
have an ATC Instructor who sits with you and has the ability to override any
transmissions that the trainee makes. Being an ATC Instructor and a CFI
are very similar. You need to be able to let the student make mistakes so
they learn, but be able to correct the situation before it get's out of control.
I am so glad that I realized that a career in business wasn't for me, I
absolutely love being an Air Traffic Controller! As an Air Traffic Controller I
am responsible for the safety of all aircraft in my sector. Every day is a new
adventure and there are never two days that are exactly alike! I currently
work as an En route Air Traffic Controller for the FAA at Kansas City Center.
I monitor the aircraft from a radar display that is hundred's of miles away
from where the aircraft are actually flying. Being an Air Traffic Controller is a
very rewarding job. I enjoy being able to make the pilot's time flying
through my airspace, a pleasant experience, and I'm always available to offer
assistance if any difficulties arise. Math plays a large role in the daily
decisions of an Air Traffic Controller. Each vector, altitude change, and
speed adjustment issued, involves some quick mental math calculations. The
best part of my job is being able to help pilots. Interacting with pilots on a
daily basis, is what really sparked my interest to become a pilot.
Finally in 2006, I decided that I was going to get my private pilot's license. I
learned how to fly at the Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC), in Olathe,
KS. Learning how to fly, was a very challenging and exciting process. There
were times that I was struggling and I didn't think that I would be able to
accomplish my goal. I would leave the airport frustrated, but the next day I
always wanted to fly again. Learning how to fly, taught me that I am a very
determined person, and that anyone can reach their goals, if they set their
mind to it. I obtained my private pilot's license on November 19th 2007. I
spent many hours just doing "touch n go's" in the traffic pattern and flying
locally for my $100 Hamburger. My husband enjoys flying with me, and
many times people assume that he is the pilot!
I decided that I wanted to do more with my license. I was reading an
aviation magazine and saw an article for Pilot's N Paw's. Pilot's N Paw's is a
group of volunteer pilot's who fly shelter animals to their new adoptive
homes. I have always been an animal lover and I wanted to become involved
in this organization. I try to fly one animal rescue per month. I have
currently flown 16 flights and have rescued approximately 40 animals. It's a
great way to volunteer, gain cross country experience and see new airports!
I just finished my Instrument Rating on November 18th, 2011. I would also
like to be able to become involved with Wings of Hope and Angel Flight. I am
hoping to compete in the Woman's Air Race Classic this June. Someday I
would like to obtain my Commercial Rating. I fly a C152, C172, C177 and a
Bonanza.
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| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM
