Seeking Career Info

KStoves Rookie

Hey everyone, My name is Keith and this is my first post. I just found this forum because I am very interested in an ATC career and have a few questions I haven't been able to answer through research.

My background, I did actually go to school for Aviation, but my school (mercer county community college) is not certified as a CTI school. Through them I got my associates degree in Aviation Flight Technology and am currently a commercial pilot and working towards becoming a flight instructor. Graduated with a 3.55 GPA and this upcoming fall I am transfering into a university as a junior to get a bachelors degree in business admin (figured if I want a bachelors degree thats a good degree to have)

I have worked on the books ever since I was 18, but the hours varied anywhere from 16 hours a week to about 45 hours a week. I consistently worked about 32 hours for three years. I'm currently 22 years old now.

So my main question is when should I apply? I did NOT grad from a CTI school, I do NOT have military experience, and I have NOT consistently worked over 40 hours (which is what I assume they use to discriminate full time/part time)

So only having an associates degree and mostly part time work experience, I would say I am probably not eligible now despite having extensive aviation knowledge.

Should I apply now anyways, or should I wait until a have a bachelors degree completed to apply

bravoquebec Rookie

It doesn't sound like you are eligible to apply to any of the current announcements. They all require either CTI graduates or prior military experience. You only qualify for an OTS (Off The Street) announcement, and those will probably not be back for a long, long time.

UNDgrad06 Senior Analyst Memphis, TN

Your only luck is to apply to an OTS (off the street) announcement. They haven't had one open in a year or so, and I don't believe they will be back. There is a rumor on here that they might be back but with all the CTIs I don't see it. You would be able to apply with your current work experience if it does come back. Having an assoc. degree will help and showing 4 years or work experience will be enough to get in the application.

The problem with an OTS announcement is that, especially with todays economy, there are going to be a larger number of applicants, probably a few thousand for only maybe 100 slots. The FAA really doesn't care about your aviation background at all, they will give you an apptitude test (ATSAT) and your score on that will probably be the deciding factor.

directHNL Newcomer

call this number and ask them if they are having a test this year for Off the Street applicants. 405-954-4657 . I am guessing they are not, but they might be able to tell you when the next one will be. If not, get into a CTI school and graduate from that.

There is a good book that you can pick up at Amazon, or maybe your local library that has more info that can help you get ready for the test. Look for the Air Traffic Control test prep.

KStoves Rookie

Okay, thanks for the help guys.

What about ATC in the military? What is the commitment like, and do you have to be an officer?

I have done research on actually flying for the military, and the only thing that wasn't appealing to me was the 10 year contract

RFDATM Trusted Contributor IL

5 year enlistment for USN ATC
6 years USAF
with your college and age you should be eligible for E-3 after bootcamp and still be young enough to apply to the FAA via VRA after your military service

CSta Junior Member Colorado

No you don't have to be an officer, for the most part only enlisted control traffic. But if you join the military you will be doing a lot more than just ATC, so I would do it and then get out and apply for the FAA

Charlie_Foxtrot Trusted Contributor Chicago

My advice is to sit down and think if this is the career you really want. You will need to commit yourself fully. Read everything you can on this site and around the internet, listen to some Listen to Live ATC (Air Traffic Control) Communications | LiveATC.net feeds, research the application process.

If you decide you are serious about it, the first step is to start researching schools like crazy. It's too late for this semester, but January is right around the corner. Pick a school, figure out what you need to do to get there next semester.

This might all sound daunting, but it's easier than you think if this is your "dream job." I was an unemployed college graduate last summer, just off of a terrible job. I came across the idea of ATC in early July and decided after two weeks of self-reflection and research to move 1500 miles away to enroll in a CTI program in August. Here I am only a year later looking forward (fearing?) the upcoming October and March panels. I have not regretted or doubted my decision for one second.

You have a degree, so many of your pre reqs are already taken care of. Look at the 2-year schools; the FAA does not consider which particular one you get your recommendation from. You can get done faster than you realize.

Sit back and think hard, my man. If you still find yourself excited, I say go for it!

jamisjockey Senior Analyst Pearland, TX

You have two options. Finish your CTI degree, or go in the military. Betting on another OTS bid coming out is like pointing a departure at your arrivals and betting on the come.
A career as a controller is a big commitment. You go $150k in debt for a degree, and yet if you don't cut the mustard and wash out...bye!
Go in the military, don't cut the mustard, spend the next few years as a cook/grunt/etc.
Like CF said....make sure it's what you really want, first.

aaronavtr Trusted Contributor Northeast U.S.

Like some of the others have said...get a 2 yr cti degree. Given your educational background, some classes may be transferable for you thus possibly making it a potentially shorter than 2 year process.

Should a ots announcement take place (God forbid) then apply for that at the same time finish your 2 yr cti.