AlfaKilo

First and foremost, I want to be an airline pilot. I love airplanes, traveling, and flying, so a job with all three combined sounds like the best thing ever to me. However, before becoming an airline pilot, I am considering working as an air traffic controller. I realize that both of these jobs should prove difficult to get into, especially the job as an air traffic controller because the number of ATCs is expected to decrease.

I plan on going to college, and possibly getting my bachelor's degree. I do not know what I want to major in, but I do not want to major in aviation because I have heard that airlines do not really care what you major in, and I do not know what else a degree in aviation would be good for. I want to see if I could get my bachelor's in something so that I can have a fall-back plan. I want to also get a degree in Air Traffic Control, and then, if I do well with that, I want to do ATC training in Oklahoma City, and hopefully I can get a job as an air traffic controller after that. Then, after ten years or more as an ATC, I want to try and become an airline pilot. It may be worth noting that when studying to be an ATC in college, I plan on getting my Private Pilot's License, and throughout my years of working as an ATC, I plan to continue taking flying lessons, getting flight hours, and earning other necessary licenses, so that I can hopefully get a job as an airline pilot after, even if it is at a regional airline, which I know would not pay the
best.

My questions for you guys are: Is it even possible to be an ATC and airline pilot? Do my ideas sound realistic or unlikely to work out? Can you guys think of better ways that I can achieve my goals? Is the military a good option?

Thanks to anyone who can reply, I just really want people's honest opinions on my plans, and if you answer in a negative manner, I would love if you could explain your answer, or possibly suggest something else for me.

galaxy flyer

First, you won't be a ATCO and an airline Pilt at the same time; Federal work rules won't allow it. You have to choose an employer. That said, being a controller isn't a good "lead in" to the airlines--the training isn't useful and you won't have the flight experience. Not to say, knowing ATC isn't nice to have; it just won't make you an airline pilot.

If you join the military, qualify for ATC, you'll be trained, receive a ATC license and serve for four years. If the FAA is hiring, it's the way into ATC which is a great career. Little financial input from yourself and a high paying (6 figures) with a pension pilots envy.
GF

mspano85

If you're interested in the military, check the Army and become a Warrant Officer. You do not need a degree to fly helicopters for the Army. If you are interested in a career in helos it is the way to go.

High School to Flight School! 19 years old and you'll be flying Jet Rangers. If I recall, you will owe them a minimum 6 years of flying after you complete training at Ft. Rucker.

Two of my best friends both fly Apaches. One of my other good friends flies Kiowas. Apaches are awesome, but flying Kiowas (Jet Rangers,) which are being phased out to Lakotas (EC-135 variant) over time, could look very favorable in your helo career as a civilian. Jet Rangers are probably the most popular helo in the world. EC-135s are becoming more and more popular for use in hospitals and police agencies because they have a nice price tag, are very fuel efficient, and cost much less to maintain.

While you're in the military, find a school like University of Maryland University College. http://www.umuc.edu/military/ They are all online and have a great setup for military students. I scoffed Cyber Security thinking it was a joke years ago, but I know guys in it now and they are making well above $100k a year.

Good luck!

AlfaKilo

I did not plan on doing both jobs simultaneously. I planned on being an ATC, and then later becoming an airline pilot. Also, I am aware that being an ATC will not lead me into a career as a pilot, but I was thinking of gaining flight experience, etc. while training to be an ATC, and while working as one.

mspano85

Look into it carefully though. If I recall there are age limits on ATC. If you leave the career to become a pilot you may not be able to fall back on it if you are gone for a very long period of time.

satpak77

ATC is a potential 150K+ a year job, with a TSP (401k) that is better than any 401k in the real world barring maybe Google or Starbucks Corp's 401k, medical benefits, etc etc. once you get an ATC job (very difficult without veterans preference AND scoring a 100 on the written exam), nobody leaves it. Yes many fly and own their own aircraft

gearmaid

I'm an air traffic controller in the Army National Guard and an airline captain. The guard trained me for an FAA CTO in a class D control tower. They also paid my college tuition. You can do both, although I personally like flying at my civilian job a lot more.

satpak77

I am talking about controllers employed by the FAA

rickair7777

I think the FAA has a "B Scale" for new controllers. Not sure what it pays now, but not as much as it used to.

I also understand it's now easier to get into due to lower compensation expectations.

satpak77

roger that, interesting...