I want to be an ATC... Help!

jdrewry Trusted Member Cowtown, TX

What they said ^

kingjoemom Rookie

Would you guys recommend even going to a 4 year college? And just going straight to CTI? I mean it would be less debt... but nothing to fall back on.

alzy Trusted Contributor Earth

I think if you still want the music degree I would do 2 yr CTI, apply and then go back to do the 4 yr music degree.

KaayJaay Junior Member

Take your general classes online while at CTI.

UNDATCer Trusted Member North Dakota

I got my 4 year bachelor's degree because it was important to ME to have a bachelor's degree instead of a associates degree or certificate. Not saying anything is wrong with those but for me it was important for me to do that. But when I went to college there was a lot less CTI schools and competition for jobs. Now it seems like there are SO many people trying to get into the FAA as an air traffic controller. If I was trying to get into the industry now I'd probably just do the two year program to get my name in the hiring pool faster.

Here is my advice though, ask yourself, what do you want to do for the rest of your life. I know for me and a lot of people on here being an air traffic controller is our dream job, not a backup plan. If music is your passion and desire, go for it. If you want to be a controller cause you think it might be "fun" or "cool" for a little while, might not be your passion. Just make sure this is what you want.

Now I am in no way trying to question your motives or motivations. Just trying to encourage you to follow your passions and what you want to do! Take tours, talk to as many schools and current and former controllers as possible.

kingjoemom Rookie

Just curious... would hiring be that bad 8 or so years from now? If so then the CTI seems a better option first.

UNDATCer Trusted Member North Dakota

Good luck to you though! I wish you nothing but the best in your pursuit of the greatest job in the world!!

kberry Rookie Slc, ut

If you do a two year CTI program you will have most of your basic math, English, history etc. classes when you graduate. So really your only adding a years worth of aviation classes. You could always major in music and minor in at-CTI as long as you have all the aviation classes, and core classes required for your two year degree you can be refered to the FAA.

So my two sence go to a college with a two year CTI program and a four year music program, all in one

kingjoemom Rookie

Undatcer: sorry i didnt see your post before i posted my last as you beat me by one minute. But I really want to be an ATC the rest of my career. So should I go with a 2 year or a 4 year degree? What should I major in? Is there any particular school that is good?

mikefsfr Senior Analyst Train Me.

Dude, go to CTI ASAP, get it over w and put your name in the hat as quickly as pratical. U said you want this career the rest of your life, and that's the beat option. Save the harmonica for when your making six figures.