NTSB

kcarpentier · February 29th, 2008, 10:12

Hi,

I've applied to become an air traffic controller (I've always had a weird obsession with aviation).

My ultimate goal in life is to work for the NTSB as an accident investigator (another weird obsession, directly linked to my "uncomfortableness" with flying)

The question is, do you think having a few years experience as an ATC would help me get a job with the NTSB? Right now I have no experience in aviation besides the year or so of aviation forecasting I did when I had an internship at the National Weather Service.

Thanks!

SoonerATC · February 29th, 2008, 10:24

I think it could help, but a more direct route is probably to just become an actual pilot and study aviation safety in school.

Controllers deal with a different aspect of aviation that I'm not sure would have a great deal of relevance to an accident investigator, although it could provide some. I'm not sure if it would be worth the effort given the amount of time and energy involved in learning to be a controller.

kcarpentier · February 29th, 2008, 10:33

Well, I've put a lot of time and energy into becoming a meteorologist and I'm working at a pharmaceutical company!!

Now I'm $80k in debt with that... I don't really have money to become a pilot. It was almost like the deal with CTI, except it was my own college saying "YES! There are tons of openings for meteorologists!" "98% job placement rate!" (they WOULD say that!) and here I am (along with probably half the people I graduated with) working at a job totally unrelated to meteorology that we could've gotten coming in off the street with no degree (that incidentally pays more than being a meteorologist)

So, your post disheartens me. I don't want to be one of those people that blows off what other people say, but I don't really have much of a choice. If I can't work for the NTSB, being an Air Traffic Controller is second best. Better than what I'm doing now, anyway!

ATLTRACON · February 29th, 2008, 11:11

I believe the NTSB likes you to have knowledge of two aspects of aviation.

I was selected to work for the NTSB (didn't take it, loooong story) in the early 90's and at that time had a background in ATC as well as a background in jet engines. Talking with the people in DC, it is more likely you would get hired if you did have two areas of specialty, though I believe you would be tasked with only one during an investigation.

In the investigations I have been a part of as a controller usually one NTSB person is ATC, one deals with electronics, one with the aircraft structure, etc.

The individuals that I talked with while I was applying all said one thing - hope you have a strong stomach and can deal with living in remote and hazardous areas, picking through body parts.

SoonerATC · February 29th, 2008, 11:23

Didn't mean to dishearten you. I'm in a similar situation though - I have a masters degree and am working for $14/hr at a job thats only requirements are a high school diploma/GED and 12 months general work experience. I spent 4 months prior to leaving the military looking for jobs and didn't get an offer from anyone. Fortunately, my degrees were paid for through the military so I don't have any student debt, but now I'm having to go back to school just to find a job I can support my family on in the long term in the event I don't get hired OTS.

kcarpentier · February 29th, 2008, 11:48

SoonerATC- Did I mention I don't even LIKE meteorology? I decided that about 3 years in, but I didn't want to waste all the hard work I'd put into it so far. heh, oh well, expensive mistake. live and learn I guess!

I tried to join the military, but I had tachycardia (so they said) so that was out. I really wanted to get in too... cause I wanted to learn how to fly.

I make almost $18/hr (no benefits) at a "temp" job... Except I've been here 2 years. The work environment sucks, and everyone walks all over me because I am both a temp and a female. and because I have a college degree, and 80% of the people who work over me do not. These are the people who are formulating your prescription medications... Nearly as uncomfortable as the situation in the FAA, only not as many lives at risk.

Luckily I don't have a family to support. Just 3 dogs and a boyfriend who takes care of himself.

ATLTRACON - (I love Atlanta!) I guess I will have to start learning about jet engines... I don't think reading about them in books will have too much credibility when it comes to a job interview, but who knows? It is so hard to get a job anywhere nowadays, they all want such nitpicky stuff. As for the body parts, I don't think that would bother me much, it would be the mangled clinging to life person that would upset me more. Besides taking the ATC test (with NTSB hopes), I took the NY state trooper test too, so one way or another, at some point I am going to have to look at dead people.

I am not, however, sticking around here to look at hormone replacement therapy products any longer than absolutely necessary.

BenWlson · February 29th, 2008, 14:18

My father worked as an NTSB accident investigator for 15 years. I may be wrong, but I think a prerequisite of that job is to have a certain number of hours flying experience.