Air Traffic Controller
 

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to graduate college and am looking for a career feild. I'm working towards the environmental services area, but have also heard recommendations for becoming an ATC. I looked at the FAA website and it said they were soon going to be opening application to the general public. Can any controllers here talk about becoming an ATC? Where do I go for the civil service testing, etc?


Here's what would be on my resume if I were to apply:

-BS in meteorology from a major university
-Internship with aviation weather forecasting experience
-FAA pirvate ASEL, instrument airplane, and private glider ratings
-Operational managment, leadership, air search and rescue experience in Civil Air Patrol

look into going into Air National Guard for ATC... not only would be it be awesome experience, but you'd get your ATC training (the best training) for free. it's what I would do if I didn't love flying so much. :)

You'll get points for the degree and PPL/IR

How you score on the aptitude tests weighs move heavily. At least, that's how it was done in the 80's....hehe....

Maybe somebody can give you something more up to date.

If it relates at all, I tried out ROTC for a little while in college (didn't work out)and I think scored above average overall on the AFOQT.

What is the age limit and pay for ATC?

thanks!

I know you have to be in training in OK City before your 31st birthday. Starting pay is fuzzy right now, I'm can't remember what my ATC buddy told me. I believe it is based off of where you are, i.e. BNA tower is lower scale than ATL tower/TRACON.

You are right. Training is done in Oklahoma, and from what I've heard on pay; It is based off airport class, number of operations, and years being a controller. After you finish training in Oklahoma you choose out of a region list on where you would like to based off and once an opening comes up you get a call. They are some colleges that teach air traffic management, and bypasses alot of training once you get to Oklahoma. I have a friend who graduated about a year ago and now works at IAH.

- You would also need to hold a medical certificate

First off, I would not reccommend the military route - at least if you are thinking the officer side of the house. I'm currently ATC/Airfield Management and you will do 90% A/F Mgt as an officer. On the enlisted side, you will get more time in position (so to speak) but, especially w/the guard, expect more deployments.

I can't speak as much to the civilian side of the house but the latest info I received was that, with the re-vamped pay scales, trainees are making around $31K a year with an increase each year for five years. This tops out around $70K, and then future pay is based off of experience and the facility to which you are assigned. On average, it takes about 8 years to catch up with the average line controllers. The schedules are a bit tighter than they used to be from what i understand (was just at Houston ARTCC) and they are running a bit short on manning. As with anything, it just boils down to doing what you enjoy. Most of the folks I work with love ATC. I, on the other hand, am counting down the days 'til I can get out and take the 75% pay cut for a flying job -- it's just what I love to do. I will say that it has helped, on the pilot side of things, to have had ATC experience and visa versa. Hope this helps a little bit.

Thanks Tool. Do you have any idea when the government will open up the application process to the general public? Any more advice on actually getting to be an ATC (from the civilian side)?

I see it's been awhile since someone has posted to this thread so hopefully this helps someone...

http://jobs.faa.gov/ search all opportunities, open to non-federal employees and the series is 2152 for Air Traffic Controllers and click on the announcement for AAC-AMH-08-PUBNAT4-09989 or the easier way is http://jobs.faa.gov/asap_detail.asp?vac_id=106136

Any other questions let me know.

Minimum Qualifications : The maximum entry age for these positions is 30 years of age i.e., you must be hired prior to reaching your 31st birthday. Prior experience or training in air traffic control is not required. Applicants will be evaluated based on their responses to the online application. You may qualify for this position on the basis of work experience, college education, or a combination of both. TO QUALIFY BASED ON WORK EXPERIENCE, INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS MUST DOCUMENT THREE YEARS OF PROGRESSIVELY RESPONSIBLE FULL-TIME (40 HOURS PER WEEK) EXPERIENCE THAT DEMONSTRATES THE POTENTIAL FOR LEARNING. Progressively responsible experience might include for example: an increase in leadership duties, working with less supervision, or an increase in financial responsibility. You are encouraged to include any experience that is directly related to the air traffic control occupation. TO QUALIFY BASED UPON EDUCATION, APPLICANTS MUST DOCUMENT A FULL 4-YEAR COURSE OF STUDY LEADING TO A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. You may also qualify by combining your work experience and college credits; one year of undergraduate study (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) is equivalent to 9 months of general work experience. Successful candidates must be able to speak English clearly enough to be understood over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.