Overlooking the runway at LAX, listening to LiveATC

[flailey]

Hi. First post, forgive the newbie-ness.

I've been a fan of the site for a year or two, found it when I started training for a PPL (pilot's license) and got interested in learning as much as possible about ATC.

I keep it on in the background all the time now, it's fun to listen to JFK ground control (FYI, I live in Brooklyn/NYC) torture those poor euro pilots late night when I'm catching up with some work.

Anyways, right now I'm sitting at the LAX Westin, laying low and getting ready to catch a very early flight home after a business trip. I have a commanding view of the whole airport (well the north side at least) and it's kind of surreal to listen to Socal App. and then watch the planes come in and actually see (and hear!) them touch down on 25R a minute or three later. What an interesting thing to do.

That's the long way of saying -- great site! Thanks to those who keep it going.

[keith]

You may well be interested trying VATSIM, then.  Instead of listening to that traffic, you could be controlling a virtual version of it.

http://www.vatsim.net

I was in the same boat as you a few years ago, getting my PPL. Flying and controlling on VATSIM really helped me improve my radio work and understand how everything hangs together.