Choosing a Facility Question

Hey everyone,

I will be doing the CTI program at FIT as I'm considering ATC as my future career. I live in Massachusetts but does this mean I'll be restricted to working at ZBW as my goal is to control at ZDC.

Mike

Not a controller, but I'm pretty sure once you apply directly to the FAA under the ATC-CTI job posting, you can choose a couple of states where you would like to work. Not restricted to your home state.

You can choose to go where ever you want in the U.S. I'm graduating from MCTC at the end of the month, so I've been updated with most of the hiring things. They are changing from choosing two states to choosing a region or choosing "anywhere". A region contains anywhere from 4 states to 6 states.. it varies. This is how they used to do it up to a few years ago when they went to states with all the PUBNATs. Anyways, you can go anywhere you want. Just be prepared to be at your first facility for a number of years. It depends on facility type, staffing, etc. on how long they require you to be there after you obtain your CPC. Current controllers can answer more questions on that aspect.

Any other questions, feel free to ask!

Thanks for the info @Salkadi and @JulietBravo!

All of the above is correct. You pick a group of states or region depending on which is the flavor of the month at the time. Let me say this and be very clear about it. If you're offered a tower in the least desirable place for you (and it may not even be in the region/states you picked, yes this happens) just take it. Moving around from location/facility type isn't that hard with a bit of patience. Typically you want to put in at least a year after CPC before you put in for transfer.

I don't know how it is a centers, but I'd imagine radar experience of any kind is a huge plus they look for, so if you get a tower only facility, think about a higher level up down/stand alone tracon as a stepping stone to get some radar under your belt rather than constantly filing ERRs to ZDC.

Just to add both ZBW and Boston Tracon are in New Hampshire.

Why ZDC? Once you are CPC, you will be able to transfer where you want.

Why not ZDC? Good locality level 12. If its what he wants, well, he wants it. I disagree with the once a CPC you can go wherever reasoning. I recently spoke with a level 6 lifer who wasn't exactly thrilled. He passed up his one shot at moving up for his then wife. Sure he could move up in his waning years and never see his kids, but why? Some things are more important.

Thanks for answering for them.