Are you really stuck if you go to a Center?

[Svirf]

I really wanted to be offered a specific tower position but was just offered a choice between a center and another tower. I would not have to re-locate for the center position, but would have to re-locate for the tower position. I am being told that years down the road I can possibly move into the tower position I would like, if its open.

Any suggestions? Part of me just wants to take the center because I feel like I will enjoy it, but another part of me wants to possibly hold out for the tower position I had hoped for. Either through declining both spots and hoping for a return offer or taking the other tower position. Any recommendations.

Thanks

Jason

[MichaelCPS]

Originally Posted by Svirf

I really wanted to be offered a specific tower position but was just offered a choice between a center and another tower. I would not have to re-locate for the center position, but would have to re-locate for the tower position. I am being told that years down the road I can possibly move into the tower position I would like, if its open.

Any suggestions? Part of me just wants to take the center because I feel like I will enjoy it, but another part of me wants to possibly hold out for the tower position I had hoped for. Either through declining both spots and hoping for a return offer or taking the other tower position. Any recommendations.

Thanks

Jason

Take the center position. No relocation and possible move to the tower down the road. Don't decline them both! (been there done that back in 2001; now I own a flight school )

[ATC wannabe]

My understanding is a center is the best way to MONEY...... As far as being stuck don't know. Good Question.

[whysoserial]

Not sure if it says in stone "you are stuck" but considering the time it takes to become certified and the amount of effort...you probably wouldn't want to get out of a center. Takes 2-3 years to check out, maybe more. That's a lot to throw away and do all over again somewhere else.

Since you have options, I guess it's personal preference. For myself, I like being at airports and looking at airplanes. I never wanted a center but I do like radar. I got lucky and got myself an up/down facility. Best of both worlds I guess. Think about what you might want further down the road, besides money.

And try calling some people to get the tower you had hoped for...can't hurt and I know it's worked for a few.

Also consider the wash out rates at centers...kind of important.

[Towerboss]

No 2-3 years is the time it takes to check out in a Terminal facility. Unless it is a lower level terminal. Centers take 3-5 now days they are taking about 5 because of low staffing, after you get to your facility you wait around 1 year to even start training. Total time for a Center will probably be around 6 years. Total time for a Terminal probably 3 years.

Just FYI,

TB

[Svirf]

Thankyou everyone for your replies. If anyone else has more information I would love to hear it. Considering I have been waiting for so long to make ATC a reality in my life, I am not going to quickly jump at a decision. Does anyone know what the reason for the high drop out rate is?

Could it possibly be that there is a higher washout since the time frame for training is so long?

Any other good attributes of "Center Life" other than better money?

You say others have called the tower they were interested in working for directly?

Thanks again,

Jason

[whysoserial]

You say others have called the tower they were interested in working for directly?

I think they talked to people in OKC. Someone on the atccti forums got what he wanted this way...not sure how cut and dry it was though.

[clcl]

The odds of getting checked out in in a tower are much greater as opposed to a center. Yeah it pays less, but that is the price you pay for a higher chance of success. Another thing about a tower, is that there are usually less people working tyhere, so you can see who is coming to stab you in the back!

[ATLTRACON]

Originally Posted by clcl

The odds of getting checked out in in a tower are much greater as opposed to a center. Yeah it pays less, but that is the price you pay for a higher chance of success. Another thing about a tower, is that there are usually less people working tyhere, so you can see who is coming to stab you in the back!

Don't know where you are getting your stats/facts from. It is more likely that you will get check out in a ARTCC environment than if you sent to LGA/ATL/JFK/etc... The Centers have always been the places new OKC grads. were sent other than smallish vfr towers, because they have the large training depts. that are set up to train never-before FPL's. I would recommed going to the Center, that's how I started and since have gone to A90 (Boston TRACON) CLT and now ATL Tower and TRACON (now only the TRACON since we split).

CJ @ A80

[Svirf]

I keep hearing people talk about getting stabbed in the back and basically knowing who you can trust, etc. Is the ATC world extremely this way or is it just the same deal you have everywhere when you throw a group of people together with different personalities.

I think I have decided to go with the center. It seems that the environment has more to offer as far as "less routine" from day to day. That assumption is based on the amount of airspace a center covers versus other areas of the field. Is that somewhat correct? Is there anyone who can give me a rough day to day of life in a center?

[Polarbear]

Originally Posted by Svirf

I keep hearing people talk about getting stabbed in the back and basically knowing who you can trust, etc. Is the ATC world extremely this way or is it just the same deal you have everywhere when you throw a group of people together with different personalities.

Such is life. You'll get this no matter what career you go into, especially when management and the union(or employee group if there is no union) are quarreling. The easiest way to deal with it is to grow thick skin and do your job. If you can't handle stuff like that your going to have a tough time in any career you choose.

[ATC RET 2003]

As a terminal type, relocating was the only way to move up. I moved five times in 20 years. I don't know how feasible moving is in the current FAA.

I guess it's possible to get "stuck" anywhere.

I never moved anywhere that I wasn't willing to LIVE.

[ATLTRACON]

Originally Posted by Svirf

I keep hearing people talk about getting stabbed in the back and basically knowing who you can trust, etc. Is the ATC world extremely this way or is it just the same deal you have everywhere when you throw a group of people together with different personalities.

I think I have decided to go with the center. It seems that the environment has more to offer as far as "less routine" from day to day. That assumption is based on the amount of airspace a center covers versus other areas of the field. Is that somewhat correct? Is there anyone who can give me a rough day to day of life in a center?

Easy way to stay out of trouble, If they wear a tie DO NOT TRUST.

Au Contraire The Center environment is extremely routine. that is one of the main reasons I left for the terminal environment. More restrictive rules and not a lot of variety.

[Svirf]

Hey everyone,

Thankyou for all your responses. I made my decision and am moving towards the center position. As usual, I am standing in another line and waiting some more. But if the amount of applications I think are out there is correct, its a miracle anything is getting done.

Jason