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D_R_ATC · April 27th, 2007, 15:51

[quote=WingOvrHeat;584237]I am a part 121 regional FO. I have been flying with the regionals for 3 years now and I am seriously researching the move from part 121 to ATCS. I have seen many different sides of the aviation industry and I plan to never leave it. However, I am looking for a better quality of life. A life that has me home on most nights. One where I can spend parts of each day with my family.

I see ATC as a golden opportunity for me. With the announcements now open to the public and me being 27 years old, I feel like now is my chance to go after the lifestyle I am looking for. I think that ATC would definitely give me the challenge that I look for.

Can anyone provide insight to someone you may know who has made the leap before? I know that many people are disgruntled about the pay right now, but not that I am not in it for the pay. I am a regional airline pilot.

How long after the anouncements close usually until a referral list is made?

I particularly don't know anyone that has made the leap from a flying job to a controller job. In fact, I am the opposite, I am a controller working for DOD and I am building flying time so I can fly for a 121 operator..hopefully without having to go to a regional airline....
Most in my profession come from the military..at my present job all 28 of us were in the military at one point in our lives and that is how we were able to get our first CTO (control Tower Operator) certificate. Before I was hired by DOD I was working for a contractor doing ATC. The pay was not to bad - about 50 to 60 thousand a year depending on the region you work at. The catch..you have to had you CTO already..and about three years of experience..So it seems that is very difficult for someone without the military background to even get a shot at it. It narrows it down to the college option and to tell you the thruth I don't know if that is a good option taking into account the the time and money, mainly the time, it will take to meet the requirements. Additionally, the hiring process is lenghty. It takes on average between 12 to 18 months.
I wish I had better news for you, but seems that it would be kind of difficult. I am not trying to discourage you from doin it, I just want to give you the facts so you can make a better decision.
I wish you the best.

April 27th, 2007, 15:51	#9
D_R_ATC Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 71	Re: Pilot to Controller? [quote=WingOvrHeat;584237]I am a part 121 regional FO. I have been flying with the regionals for 3 years now and I am seriously researching the move from part 121 to ATCS. I have seen many different sides of the aviation industry and I plan to never leave it. However, I am looking for a better quality of life. A life that has me home on most nights. One where I can spend parts of each day with my family. I see ATC as a golden opportunity for me. With the announcements now open to the public and me being 27 years old, I feel like now is my chance to go after the lifestyle I am looking for. I think that ATC would definitely give me the challenge that I look for. Can anyone provide insight to someone you may know who has made the leap before? I know that many people are disgruntled about the pay right now, but not that I am not in it for the pay. I am a regional airline pilot. How long after the anouncements close usually until a referral list is made? I particularly don't know anyone that has made the leap from a flying job to a controller job. In fact, I am the opposite, I am a controller working for DOD and I am building flying time so I can fly for a 121 operator..hopefully without having to go to a regional airline.... Most in my profession come from the military..at my present job all 28 of us were in the military at one point in our lives and that is how we were able to get our first CTO (control Tower Operator) certificate. Before I was hired by DOD I was working for a contractor doing ATC. The pay was not to bad - about 50 to 60 thousand a year depending on the region you work at. The catch..you have to had you CTO already..and about three years of experience..So it seems that is very difficult for someone without the military background to even get a shot at it. It narrows it down to the college option and to tell you the thruth I don't know if that is a good option taking into account the the time and money, mainly the time, it will take to meet the requirements. Additionally, the hiring process is lenghty. It takes on average between 12 to 18 months. I wish I had better news for you, but seems that it would be kind of difficult. I am not trying to discourage you from doin it, I just want to give you the facts so you can make a better decision. I wish you the best.