ATC

[John2375]

If considering a career as an ATC...what's the best road to go down?
I was flying yesterday and the thought occured to me it seems like a great challenging job as I was listening to everyone on the frequency being isntructed to do this/that...
any good websites??
John

[DE727UPS]

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Best thing I ever did was get back into flying when I did. At the same time, ATC would have been a fine career. This all happened in the 80's, though, so your mileage may very....

If I wanted to get into ATC today, I would go to one of the schools that partners with the FAA and get a two year degree in ATC. The FAA says they will be hiring for a while.

Perhaps you could do a google search and see what comes up. ATC training schools would probably work.

[cessna2351]

First of all.....how old are you? If you are 30 or more forget it, max hiring age is 31. I guess if your still 28-29 you still have a slight glimmer of hope.

If you still in your mid 20's, I would definatly suggest looking into the CTI schools with a two year degree. Here is a link to the 13 or so CTI schools here.

http://www.atccti.com/page4.html

[Naluryder]

FAA has an age criteria of 31. I was an Air Traffic Controller for the Air Force as my first career. ATC is not for all. I think that the military is the best way to go if you want the best exposure. I was rated as a tower controller. Had some radar. People say its stressful but it was a lot of fun. I chose ATC at the time because I had wanted to know the whole system. My dream is stil to fly though. Its a very challenging and rewarding job. It's awsome when you can control 7 ACFT at one time in the pattern with fighters in the overhead, flight of 3-C-130s on right downwind holding, a cesna 152 on left downwind spining..hahaha and clearing a C-5 Galaxy for take-off..man what a rush..anyhow...you have to pass a physical for the military..must pass color blindness and depth perception. ATC is a great choice.

Good luck!!

Nalu

[SkyJeff]

What is the flunk out rate these days for FAA controllers?

My Grandpa is a retired controller and he said back then the wash out rate was extremely high, in the vicinity of 80-90%

[cessna2351]

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What is the flunk out rate these days for FAA controllers?


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Before this shortage that the FAA is in right now, I would say it was pretty high but I don't want to give a percentage because I'm really not sure. However, currently, the FAA is doing more of a "Train to Succeed" program rather than a "Loose the dead weight" program.

[Dazzler]

Before making the choice to go into ATC, be sure to watch the movie "Pushing Tin".

[DE727UPS]

I can only say that in my class, in the mid-80's, only 4 out of 20 passed the initial screen in OKC. A few, like me, that didn't pass but still scored fairly high, got jobs as Air Traffic Assistants. The idea was we could work for the FAA in ATC and go back to the academy for a second try in a year or two. I worked the flight data position at the old LAX TRACON, which is a freeway offramp, now.

What I found really sad and dissapointing was that several really sharp folks quit good jobs, had families, and had high expectations for a chance at a new career. A couple months later, most were left high and dry because they couldn't get though the silly screening program the FAA used. Don't get me started.....

Anyhow, the CTI program didn't exist back in those days, as far as I knew. Everyone had to get through the screen at the academy. The FAA changed their ways when they developed the CTI program in that if you got the two year degree, you could get hired as a controller without going through the FAA screening program. I'm no expert, but that's the way I understand it.

In a way, though, I'm glad things didn't work out for me in ATC cause my career as a pilot has worked out to be a WAY better thing for me than a career as a controller ever would have been.

[wheelsup]

[ QUOTE ]

any good websites??
John

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http://faa.gov/careers/employment/atc.htm

Coming from an aviation school, I've had friends who did the ATC thing. Heck, I almost did it had I elected to stay another semester. They make good money, but I could never have done it. Yeah, you might make $100k in 5 years - but you have to work the most irregular hours known to man. I visited a few towers and centers and never really liked the view - it's much nicer from up above .

~wheelsup

[Naluryder]

Not to say that you'll be wasting your money at an aviation school,but coming from a military backround if you are still young you can get all the exposure from the military wheather you chose radar or the tower in my opinoin, all payed training. I did it in the Air Force. The ATC school is 4 months long,when I went in the early 90s and it was at Keesler AFB,MS. The only draw back is joining the military,but if you get at least 6 years of experience even without a Bachelors degree you would just have to attend the Oklahoma FAA Academy and by that time it would be a breeze to pass their school and making the big $$$ if that's your goal. The military will surely prepare you for the FAA..

Nalu

[kellwolf]

The plus side to the college route is you get to pick ATC. No guarantee that you'll get ATC by joining the military.

[Naluryder]

[ QUOTE ]
The plus side to the college route is you get to pick ATC. No guarantee that you'll get ATC by joining the military.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't speak for the other services, but when I joined the Air Force my ASVAB military test results gave me more than 5 career choices. I had average scores. You don't have to commit to anything until you sign that contract and the Air Force will guarantee what you pick. ATC was my first choice. Right now that is one of the critical fields so I'm sure you will get it. The General score from the ASVAB for ATC I think is 62 for the Air Force. My general score was 72.

Yes an ATC Specialty School will teach you all you need to know to hopefully pass the FAA Academy which you will pay for. Like I said ATC is not for all..The ATC career field for the military also has a higher than normal wash out rate and they may have also changed their teaching methods so as to make the concept retainable. I know when I went for the Air Force you were allowed to wash back one block either it be the tower portion or the radar..after that you will need to choose a second career field. Hey but nothing is garaunteed right! You must stay focused,persistant,and positive and I'm sure you will succeed.

This summer I'm planing on a career change into becoming a pilot like all of you in this awesome forum..thanks to all for your infromative posts and DA MAN DOUG!!LOL. It's taken me 11 years to come back to my original dream. And I feel its not to late. You only live once so might as well try if that opportunity comes.

Aloha!

Nalu

[ATA_victim]

Do you need a 4 year degree to become a ATC for the FAA? I ask this beacause there are alot of 2 year community colleges that are in the CTI program. Or maybe they are there for people who already have their B.A??

[Naluryder]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you need a 4 year degree to become a ATC for the FAA? I ask this beacause there are alot of 2 year community colleges that are in the CTI program. Or maybe they are there for people who already have their B.A??

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I just found out today from a co-worker of mine that his brother in-law did the 2 year community college CTI program and he was able to get hired on with the FAA. He also had to attend the FAA Oklahoma Academy. Right now he's in Colorado doing OJT and working on getting tower and radar rated. He's studying his but off and has'nt plugged in yet. I suppose he is studying his ATC phraseology, basic weather and regs.

Nalu

[ATA_victim]

wow thats awesome....I assume he didnt have his B.A prior to going to that comm college? Im stuck between applying to a 4 year or just going to a comm college with a CTI. I just dont wanna be told by the FAA to go back and get my B.A after i graduate.

[cessna2351]

A college degree isn't a requirement to be a civil ATC.

[ATA_victim]

thanks for the info