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If it helps....I did the whole pilot route, was a cfi for a while, flying for the regionals now and trying to get into ATC now for more job securtity. Took the AT-SAT last friday, should know in a few more days what I made. ASA publishes a book called Air Traffic Control Prep, its a pretty good book and will help you study for the exam. Good luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 419265)

Absolutely don't go to school to be a controller. They are hiring folks off the street. No college degree, no formal training. Just able to speak, read and understand English. Over 18, able to hold a second class medical.

You don't need to spend ONE PENNY or minute of your life to get a controller job. And there's a reason it's so easy, and will be for years to come (well, if it's not privatized).

Exactly. Just a few years ago until 2006 (or even 2007?) the only way to become a controller was through the military or CTI. I went through the CTI program (thank god I only minored in it as opposed to the full major!), and just a year or two after I graduated from that program, the FAA started hiring off the street. So obviously there is absolutely no need to spend money on that now. In fact there is no need to spend money on any degree that's aviation-related.. trust me I knooooow :````(

You can always play grass is greener. ATC sucks. The airline sucks. They both suck. ATC guys now flying (T.Williams) having not much good to say about ATC - Airline guys now in ATC having nothing but good things to say...I guess your damned if you do, damned if you dont. It all depends on where you are in life...I've met a number of ATC guys who are approaching retirement and have always wanted to fly...and are now or in the process of doing it.. But, bottom line is the airlines just like ATC are nothing like they used to be....They both blow. Pick your poison. I'd take being home myself......

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyWilliams (Post 419265)

Absolutely don't go to school to be a controller. They are hiring folks off the street. No college degree, no formal training. Just able to speak, read and understand English. Over 18, able to hold a second class medical.

You don't need to spend ONE PENNY or minute of your life to get a controller job. And there's a reason it's so easy, and will be for years to come (well, if it's not privatized).

No "Shiny Radar Display Syndrome" here!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsmit498 (Post 419081)

Well I hope some one can give me some good advice, Im 19 and starting college to be a pilot, and thats all I have ever wanted to do, but it looks like there wont be any jobs or very few airlines hiring when im ready to apply. So I have been thinking to change my degree plan to ATC, I think it might be a more secure job to go with than an airline pilot with all the Furloughs going on. So im just looking for some advice about my plan and being a pilot. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

I know that your thinking you should get your degree in the field that you desire the most. Half way through that route- your going to grow to regret that decision. Specific degrees in aviation are not required to become a pilot. Get your degree in something totally different from aviation. Something in the business field would be fine- just not aviation.

When you graduate college, all of your buddies that majored in business-whatever are likely to go straight to work making ok money, I'd hate to see you get hung out to dry with your aviation degree....plus the cost of your aviation degree is going to be through the roof if you are getting your flight training there as well.

Maybe I'm just playing devil's advocate, I don't know. It seems that everyone in aviation says don't get a degree in aviation because it's worthless. However, I know people in the real world who say lots of jobs are like the airlines.. they could care less what your degree is in. Examples.. degree in history just to become a pharmaceutical rep makeing almost 6 figures, high school diploma to become a nuclear reactor operator. These are just a few, but I say get a degree in what you want, especially if it's something you're interested in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryris (Post 419296)

Agreed. The best action, IMHO, is to major in something that is readily marketable. An actual skill, not psychology or something. Get your ratings on the side and see what happens. Being a pilot just isn't a good career anymore. The competition is high, especially right now, or for the next 3-5 years anyway. If you can land a JOB, then enjoy it, but always be ready to fall back on your non-aviation training.

I am in my 2nd year at a regional. I much enjoy my job, but I am almost 90% certain that I'll be furloughed or the company will go out of business within the next 6 months. All the planets are aligning, unfortunately. I am sticking it out for now just as a "hale mary" to pad the logbook as much as I can while the getting is good, but I'll probably be back at a desk job (for which I majored in) inside of a year, unless I decide to instruct for a while, but even those jobs will probably be taken. But, I'll catch it on the upswing again. It feels good to know that I don't NEED aviation to put food on the table. You might feel the same way.

I agree with this post wholeheartedly. (Maybe because I wrote it)

I would also condone working in your backup field for a little while before taking up aviation. When I graduated college, I worked for 17 months in my majored field, earned about $55,000 during the process. Bought a house, paid off the cars, etc. Life requires some prep costs to set yourself up, working in your backup field first might help you better weather the first few years of ultra low pilot pay. Also, your backup resume will have some experience on it should you ever need it.

I fly with so many pilots who have no other marketable skills. It sucks for them. If they get the oust, its back to school. You are young enough now to make the right decision at the onset.

You'll thank me later.

Since no one else has brought it up...

There is always the military option. I'm not going to preach or get into any details, there are other threads you can read, or you can ask me and I'll tell you more. I was a business/engineering major in college, and then went off to fly for the USAF for 9 years. I loved it and wouldn't trade it for anything.

But that was my experience and you need to figure out what you want.

As far as what everyone else is saying, the one thing I ABSOLUTLY agree with is to major in something that you're really interested in. You'll enjoy college a whole lot more AND you'll get better grades doing it!

Good luck!

Thanks for all the info, you all brought up good points. I still have alot to think about and Ill look more into ATC and military options.

I applied for a controller spot with no degree and I am going for the FAA's pre-screen testing on Thursday. If this industry keeps going this direction, a government job is starting to look nice now..hehe.:D