How to become an ATC?

[c172captain]

Hello all,
Little background:
I am 17 and am have passed my IFR oral and am waiting for better weather to take my practical. I plan on going military if I do not encounter any snags.

I was recently told that I might be disqualified from joining the Air Force due to a minor medical reason. Faced with this news I realized that I may not want to fly commercial for the rest of my life. Listening to ATC has always been mystifying to me and I have an immense respect for the difficult job that you guys pull off with ease.

That being said, I was wondering what steps I should take to set myself up to become hired at promising facility. Do I need a college degree? Is it recommended? Is there a specific ATC college that I need to go to? Do I need specific ratings and completions of tests to be qualified for certain ATC positions(i.e. me having my PPL/IFR/ME ratings etc)?

Any and all help would be appreciated, thank you.

[ATC Vector]

Hi,

The following link will provide you with information on how to become an Air Traffic Controller for the FAA. With no prior experience, there are couple of ways to begin the process.

1. Enroll, attend and graduate from one of the FAA-approved colleges, otherwise known as "CTI Schools."

2. Apply for general public announcements, otherwise known as OTS positions (Off The Street); there does not seem to be pattern or defined schedule as to when those openings for the general public are posted. As you will see, those positions have specific requirements of education and/or work experience, however.

http://www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportun...c_controllers/

There is also the military way, as you suggested. You could apply to become a civilian controller after your service.

As you conduct your research, keep an open mind. You will see many references that suggest one way is better than another. All I can suggest is that you do your research carefully and thoroughly, and decide what is best for you.

Keep us posted!

[lintt]

the links on the one posted seem to be dead.

maybe its just my <cough> superior <cough> ISP. can you guys confirm it?

thank you for posting the link BTW.

[JimmyK]

Whats the "minor medical reason" that is keeping you from joining the Air force? If you wont be able to get into the Air Force because of this, how will you be able to get a class II physical from the FAA?

[savemecalifornia]

Originally Posted by lintt

the links on the one posted seem to be dead.

maybe its just my <cough> superior <cough> ISP. can you guys confirm it?

thank you for posting the link BTW.

works for me

[c172captain]

Originally Posted by JimmyK

Whats the "minor medical reason" that is keeping you from joining the Air force? If you wont be able to get into the Air Force because of this, how will you be able to get a class II physical from the FAA?

I have slight and very controlled asthma. I've had it since I was about 5 but have not have an attack since I was 10. The asthma does not affect me at all but it comes up on tests. I might not be able to get into the Air Force because they have a traditional policy of not admitting anyone with any case of asthma. I checked the FARs and if the asthma is moderate or less and under control, I am still eligible to get a 1st class medical. Unless I'm wrong.

[flyermb]

The Military is alot more strict than an FAA physical. They kick people out in basic training for stuff they had when they joined.

[JT ATC]

Originally Posted by c172captain

I have slight and very controlled asthma. I've had it since I was about 5 but have not have an attack since I was 10. The asthma does not affect me at all but it comes up on tests. I might not be able to get into the Air Force because they have a traditional policy of not admitting anyone with any case of asthma. I checked the FARs and if the asthma is moderate or less and under control, I am still eligible to get a 1st class medical. Unless I'm wrong.

there are waivers for that. I know many people that were in the same situtation. It will just take a little longer to get in while you are waiting on that waiver

[flyeagle111]

I am 17 as well and will be applying to colleges that offer ATC. I know a controller at a center, do you think he could get me hired there once I graduate a program? I'm probably only going for the two year associates.

[Polarbear]

I am medically disqualified from military service, but I got hired on with the FAA as an air traffic controller.

I would suggest going to college and majoring in something that highly interests you. I would hesitate from flight or CTI degree however. While they may be fun, they are limiting outside of aviation. If I had the time to do over, I would go back to college and major in History or Meteorology(Two big interests of mine).

That being said I have no college degree (although I do have some college). I highly recommend you do not follow my route. My life has been much more difficult than my friends that went to college. I have lost many opportunities for lack of a degree. Basically, I am very lucky in that I have been in the right place at the right time.

Here are the minimum qualifications listed on the announcement I applied for:

"Minimum Qualifications : The maximum entry age for these positions is 30 years of age i.e., you must be hired prior to reaching your 31st birthday. Prior experience or training in air traffic control is not required. You may qualify for this position on the basis of work experience, college education, or a combination of work experience and college credits. To qualify based upon work experience, interested individuals must have three years of progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the potential for learning and performing air traffic control work. Progressively responsible experience might include for example: an increase in leadership duties, working with less supervision, or an increase in financial responsibility. Progression of responsibility must be documented in detail on your application. You are encouraged to include any experience that is directly related to the air traffic control occupation. To qualify based upon education, applicants must have a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree. You may also qualify by combining your work experience and college credits; one year of undergraduate study (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) is equivalent to 9 months of general work experience. Individuals in these positions are covered by the air traffic controller special retirement program; air traffic control specialists are subject to mandatory separation at age 56. Successful candidates must be able to speak English clearly enough to be understood over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment."

I have nearly ten years of work history and an aviation background. I don't know any others that have been hired recently without a college education.

With as young as you are, please go to college. Do not follow my example, you will eventually see why.