I’m from the lower 48.

Just think, It won’t be long until the only WX readers (we’re not briefers anymore)left will be the LM hires who don’t even know they’re doing it wrong and unsafe. That’s what the FAA, LM, and AOPA wants!!!

If you are not replaced by automation you will be contracted out. It will happen and you can’t stop it. Then you will be gone before you ar ready.

I had Thirty five plus years in air traffic, no OD’s, OE’s, and no pilot complaints. I had outstanding ratings, played all the games training, quality assurance, details to ACY, OEX, and DC. I worked pilot meetings, briefed airshows and worked with other agencies to insure we were putting out the best possible product. I played the Lockmart game, no failed evaluations, meet all APL’S, committees, workgroups, airshows pilot meetings etc etc… Then you wake up one day RIF’ed and you realize you can no longer do the job you enjoy most in life.

This is the road you are on.

I stand by my comment, that I have never met a controller that thinks FSS is worthless or that the specialists are worthless.

They are a valuable tool. Just because the FAA/LM don’t appreciate them, doesn’t mean we don’t.

I doubt I’ll get a job at Wal-Mart anytime soon. Maybe in 5 years when I retire at age 50.

You may think that controllers and FSS specialists don’t have any true skills, but I can tell you, that not only am I a highly paid professional, but I am also a highly skilled professional. I deserve/earn every cent I make.

You, I imagine, are a pencil-pushing waste of taxpayer dollars, that is still bitter that I make more than you. Course, no doubt, I have more responsibility than you do, since mine-sweeper doesn’t really count.

Sure some coworkers got screwed, but that is OK, it’s meant much more money for me. If they planned right, they would not have lost their retirements anyway, so I don’t feel bad.

These whiners actually want a union, so they will have even less money.

My View said – “As a controller, I have never met any controller that thought that FSS was worthless and that they could do that job better.”

Hey My View, I think you are the one on drugs brother. Are you kidding me? I don’t think there are any controllers I know who think you fart sackers are worth a crap. Find some other work. With all your technical knowledge and education you could easily qualify for, oh say a greeter at Wal-Mart. I know. How about you organize a greeters union? Go out and get all the greeters to sign up for your union. If NATCA won’t do it I’m sure brother Johnny Carr would be thrilled to do it. Just pay him the few cents he’s out from his cold calling gig. Rumor has it Johnny has already applied for a greeters job at the local Wal-Mart. What’s funnier is that he didn’t get the job. A ex-fart sacker got it!