multiple questions

[neverett]

Ok, I am interested in becoming an air traffic controller, but before I started anything, I had a couple of questions to ask. First off, I am color deficient (not color blind)... basically I can see the difference between red/blue/green but I have trouble distinguishing between different reds and such. Is this something that would disqualify me? I read that there are multiple color vision tests you can take other than the Ishihara test... anyone know anything about this?

I also have a mild heart murmur (usually the doctor can't even hear it). I read that if I had a cardiologist write me a letter for the physical that all would be alright... is this true? Anyone else out there have any of these issues?

Does anyone have an idea when they will post the next OTS announcement? I also considered doing CTI classes, but I read that they can be a waste of time... any input from anyone?

I guess that's it for now... thanks!

[PilotChip]

I suggest you move the first part of your post to the flight surgeon forum. You will get more help there.

[neverett]

Any one have any idea about when the next OTS announcement will be??? Thanks in advance!

[Trident]

Originally Posted by neverett

Any one have any idea about when the next OTS announcement will be??? Thanks in advance!

Haven't heard anything, but my guess is it will be a VERY, VERY LONG time before another OTS announcement is posted.

[Sierra Hotel]

The eye thing you could probably get away with, the heart murmur will be a problem.
You need a first class medical which anyone can get. They will tell you if it will prevent you from getting hired.

Let us know what happens.

[neverett]

I'll keep you guys posted if I ever get to apply off the street. Does any one have any input regarding the CTI option? I've considered it, but currently I'm pursuing a Bachelors in mathematics. I already have an Associates in science. If you recommend doing the CTI option, any input on what school? Thanks in advance!

[neverett]

Originally Posted by Trident

Haven't heard anything, but my guess is it will be a VERY, VERY LONG time before another OTS announcement is posted.

Why do you think it will be a "VERY, VERY LONG time"? Just wondering Thanks for the heads up!

[hah28713]

I am going to school at Minneapolis Community and Tech College in MN. I picked it because I was living in Toledo, Ohio and could take the first semester classes online. Then I moved up here in Aug of 07 to start and will be done this Aug 8th. The school has been great. The FAA used to sponser it so they have the entire en-route set up at the school. I am not sure about the other schools but I think most of the other schools I looked at were 4 year programs not 2 year like MCTC. I did apply for mutiple Direct Hire jobs in May 2007 and am still waiting....I went down both paths just waiting for the quickest way to get a job and considering I only have two months of school left it looks like for me the CTI program will be getting me the job the fastest.

[neverett]

Could you give me a little more information about the aptitude test MCTC makes you take? I've looked into going there, but I just don't know if I want to pick up and move and spend the time and money on a CTI school. I'd prefer to go off the street if I could, but if CTI school is the answer, then that's what I'll do. Thanks for the info!

[MrBucket]

apologize for not answering your e-mail earlier; we are currently experiencing an overwhelming number of e-mails and phone calls.

As of right now, we will be having a new general public announcement open each month through this FY 08. You can put in your application at any time, the only problem you would have right away would be the issue of taking the ATSAT test. Once the announcement that you apply for has closed, we evaluate your work experience/college to determine if you have the minimum requirements. If you do, you will get an e-mail setting a date/time/location to take the ATSAT test. After the ATSAT test, we have a selection panel here that will be making tentative selections for that announcement. Once that has been completed, if you were selected, you will be contacted with a tentative offer letter that will give you information on the paperwork that needs to be completed. You will be contacted by our contractors to get you set up for an interview and to attend a Pre-Employment Processing Center (PEPC) for your physical, drug test, back ground, etc. The first part dealing with the evaluating and getting scheduled for the ATSAT test, could take up to 4 weeks. The second part dealing with the selection panel, if you are selected we would contact you within 6 weeks after the panel completes their selections to get you set up with a date/time/location for the PEPC. Then the last part, after passing all the required examines, it could take up to several months before we could get you scheduled into an academy class, or it could be within a couple of weeks. This would be something that you would have to work out with the specialist that you are working with. I think that the biggest problem you will have is getting the ability to take the ATSAT test. So, my advise would be to keep watching our website and when it starts getting closer to when you will be able to leave, (but as of now, no later than this Sep) put in your application.

If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us, thanks and have a great day.

Thank you,

Micki Griffin
AMH-300
Human Resource Assistant
(405) 954-4657

[GQ007]

As of right now, we will be having a new general public announcement open each month through this FY 08.

I am surprised they are planning on casting such a wide net, this is a sure way to create more bottlenecks during the process...a true test of patience on our parts I guess

[neverett]

Great info!!! So I take it I should apply for every announcement I see??? I hope I can apply soon. I was getting the impression that there wouldn't be an announcement until July or possibly August. Do you know if you still have to get the medical at the PEPC if you already have a Class II Airmen Medical Certificate? Or anyone have any information if it speeds up the process any (or at least cuts that out of your day at the PEPC)? Any information is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[hah28713]

The aptitude test to get into MCTC is like a mini AT-SAT test. I can't remember how long it took but it was not as long as the AT-SAT maybe 2 hours??? But it had different sections. Reading dials (exactly like the AT-SAT), then basic math questions, a section with angles as far as reading a compass (360 degrees in north, 130 is south east), then a listening portion to test your spatial orientation (if you are hanging upside down with your head straight back and on your right side the sun is setting which way are you facing). Besides the last section it was all timed and went super fast.....it was pretty much all about how fast you could get it done. It really wasn't anything to worry about. I hope that helped. The school really is great though....I really feel like they care about us making it. Of course I would have loved to skip all this and go straight to Oklahoma but I didn't want to take my chances. It has been expensive....the cost of living here was a lot higher than I was used to...but the good thing is that you don't have to pay out of state tuition. A semester is around $2,500 total.