What would you do?

[flyguy63]

Currently i am waiting on my firm offer for Roswell,NM up/down, but i'm not really sure if ATC is what i really want to do. I know nobody in New Mexico and it would be a strange place to live plus the current climate of ATC is making me sort of hesitant. I graduated in May with a BA in sociology from Notre Dame, and most of my friends moved to Chicago after graduation. I currently live back at home in Ohio. During my interview, the interviewer mentioned something like "you mean you went to notre dame to be an air traffic controller?" It sort of sounded like he was saying that i was too good for ATC and that i could get something better because of my degree. Currently i'm looking for jobs in chicago (and would eventually pursue my mba there if i dont do ATC) cause i would like to be by my friends and it's a lot closer to home. I'd also like to mention that i love aviation and think i would enjoy ATC, but i'm just wondering if i could make a better living following a different path.

I'm just looking for anybody's opinion about my situation or what any of you would do.

Sorry for the length.

[icephalt24]

The comment about you went to Notre Dame to do ATC I see as more of "Why did you spend $160,000 on a degree not related to ATC when you could have gone to get an ATC degree for $40,000."

[flyguy63]

You can't put a price on a great education.

[Charlee]

[ABP52380]

Well, this is tough. Ironically, when I interviewed at my facility the manager said the EXACT same thing. It almost makes me wonder if it's not a question designed to solicit a response about how dedicated you really are to the job. She said: "You graduated from *** and have your commercial license and that many hours??? Why do you want to do this?

Of course I answered the way one should if they really want the job. But out of the entire interview THAT was the one part that jumped out at me, and still does. I knew going into the interview that her husband was a Captain for one of the big boys so I kind of assumed her response was related to that, but maybe not.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be dedicated 100% to this job and the long road you have ahead -- especially if you're enroute. I was on the bubble for along time in regards to ATC. It took graduating from OKC, reporting to my facility, talking with current developmentals and existing controllers and then weighing my own personal beliefs before I came to what I considered an 'educated decision.' I resigned. Not more than two minutes ago I got a call from a good friend (MEI, CFII etc) that was just ranting and raving about the day he had today as a developmental: "I hate my job" - "I'm worried about checking out" --that was said no less than 3 or 4 times.

Please do not think I'm trying to persuade you one way or another and I'm sorry if this seems negative or jaded. But having gone down this road and experienced the things I have, I feel compelled to give you my personal experience. If you're not completely dedicated to devoting yourself to 'checking out' and the emotional roller coaster that is sure to follow, this may not be the job for you.

As corny as it sounds, follow your heart. That's my advice. PM me if you have any questions about it.

Best of luck with your decision.

[canadian_atc]

Even though I'm coming from the Canadian side of things, we all do the same job, I agree with APB 110%.

If you're not 110% into becoming an Air Traffic Controller you more than likely will not qualify. It can't be for the money only, or for the "Cool" factor (It's only that cool in the movies BTW) it has to be because you really love the idea and the career itself.

Personally I held a CPL with 250 hours, almost done my Multi-IFR when I accepted, and I haven't looked back

ATC is a job with a tremendous amount of responsibility, yes there is a decent amount of stress some days, but generally for me 95% of the time I have a blast going to work.

I love my job, the responsibility, the complexity, and working thankfully for me with professional pilots (I work a vast majority of aircraft from North America transiting out to Gander Oceanic over the Atlantic)

Even the biggest and best airlines there are uncertanties, away from home at least some portion of your life etc etc.

I make great money, I'm home every night, and I live an hour from my hometown.
I spend many of my weekends pleasure flying (the best kind IMO) and my income and large amount of time off allows me to pursue a plethora of hobbies I never could before.

While training is rotten, and horrible experience simply because of the uncertainty of your life, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

If you're thinking "Well I'll try this" don't. If you're thinking "Man I really want this" go for it.

[Omdahl]

If you do decide to go the ATC route I know two controllers in Roswell and if you want I could see if they would let me give you their email addresses if you want to ask them questions specifically about ROW. They are both really nice guys and would be happy to talk to you I'm sure.

Good luck with your decision. The job is great, it's the employer that is the problem.

[Fox Xray]

Many people I work with (including myself) sort of fell into ATC. This is one of the last jobs I would ever have guessed I would do. Don't let the Notre Dame comment bother you...

Here's my $.02 ... with the FAA now paying per diem for time spent in OKC it's worth a shot, you won't go in debt trying something you might not like. The only way to know if you would like the job is to try it, if you don't like it you quit. I have worked with many people that after a few months said you know what... this is not for me. No shame in that.

With the elections coming there is a good chance of change on the horizon for the FAA... I won't say it can't get worse but odds are it is going to get better. (though some of the latest happenings in my facility don't support that... LOL).

I hope some of this helps...

BTW... all the above advice is very good.

[PilotChip]

Started in the Marine Corps (best of both worlds you could say) as ATC. A year after discharging I was hired by the FAA.

It will always be the same: there's going to be judgments etc... some people won't like you, some people just don't like newbies period, some will not like the way you talk or look... others will really help you to pull through.

All the "bad talk" on the net is just that. The bad sticks out more than the good, but after a while you get to fit in at the place you're at and become comfortable.

Yes some of the rules are silly, but they will most likely change (once again) and maybe get better.

Keep in mid there are alot of controllers out there right now and if you want to do it, YOU CAN.

If you really like the act of controlling aircraft then you will be able to see beyond these "inconveniences."

[flyguy63]

Thanks for all the responses. Does anyone know anything about how promotions work in ATC? For example getting promoted to supervisor, manger of a facility etc. I feel like no matter how great of a controller i become there wouldn't be a whole lot of opportunity for advancement. Also, is there possible way i could go back to school while being an ATC?

[PilotChip]

The old skoolers would give you some better info, but basically you apply for current job openings on the faa job site. The more experience you have (ie, higher level facility work , years in FAA etc..) get you more points and puts you above other applicants who are applying for the same job, but have less points.

Like me, I have to certify first here as CPC then wait a year until i could start applying for a transfer. Most job bids require at least 1 yr of cpc/cic experience.

The actual job "requirements" section explains details about what prerequisites there are in order to apply for that position.

IMO atc advancement is: going from level 8 to level 11, not controller to admin ;P

College can be done during your off time, sure! Even computer courses would be convenient. Just keep in mind, during initial developmental phases your regular days off may change when you become certified and may change again later on when you get cpc or cic. We recently came across an issue where managers can change your schedule without prior notice.

But i love going to the twr !!!!