How easy is it to transfer tower to tracon

Davo Trusted Contributor VT

How easy is it to transfer from a tower to a tracon? Specifically, is it realistic to transfer to a level 12 tracon, from a level 7, 8, or 9 tower? What about an up/down that is a 7-9? I believe I have read something about only being allowed to go up 2 levels. Does it make the transfer easier if your current tower is in the tracon's airspace?

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

When it comes time to move up into a ATC-12 facility, the higher the level facility that you are coming from helps your chances of not only being selected, but it also helps your chances of becoming certified. To be honest I don't think that any of the ATC-12 facilities are still combined Towers/Approach.

It does somewhat make it easier if your facility is within the ATC-12's airspace, this is mainly because the facility can pick you up without using move money. Most smaller facilities within a 12's airspace are VFR towers so experience wise you would be at a disadvantage, but that doesn't mean you can't be successful.

boondr PHD without a degree North of the Equator

CLT, PHL, and MIA are three LVL 12 up/downs left

Davo Trusted Contributor VT

Thanks mike. My dream location is to eventually be at socal tracon. Sorry if the up/down part of the question was confusing. I was wondering if someone coming from an up/down would have a better chance transferring there as opposed to coming from tower only, both facilities being level 9 or lower. I would assume tracon experience is a plus in that case. Was I completely off the mark about only being able to transfer 2 levels up? ex. from a level 8 facility I would only be able to transfer to a level 9 or 10 facility.

GolfJuliet F*** Terrorism

Isn't MIA split?

jarhead0863 Trusted Member Grand Forks, ND

I am not 100% sure, but I do not see why you couldn't transfer from a level 7 or 8 to a 11 or 12. It sure beats having the experience as opposed to someone with no experience going right to a level 11 or 12 facility.

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

There are no limits on facility levels if doing an ERR. If you are bidding on a vacancy announcement, you can only bid up 3 levels (ex: from a level 7 to a level 10)

KJKAN Rookie

You must check each specific vacancy announcement for the minimum requirements. Most vacancy announcements do not have specific requirements like that.

I had level 8 tower experience only and I bid on a level 12 TRACON and was selected. It helped that I was already in the HUB but I know they selected people from outside the HUB too.

It goes back to networking and getting in good with the managers and ops managers. They actually make the decision on who the select from a vacancy announcement. It is not like the initial FAA application process where your name is basically pulled from a hat.

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

My mistake. I was getting things twisted. I was thinking of mutual transfers. Under the Crimson book, there are no other level restrictions outside of mutual transfers.

jmizz24 Rookie VFR tower

I agreed with this thinking until put in for a bid at N90 from a level 6 VFR tower. They took me immediatly, i mean if they would have had it their way i would have left the next day, so i think in ten years that will be true but for right now if you have any ATC experience and the big boys are hiring they will take you in your sleep if your not careful