Question-out of the game

atcadvocate Rookie Kentucky

Background-I have a CTO, I can get a class 2 medical, I have 5 years experience atc in the military and I will be 31 in September. I have not worked ATC for 7 years. I am currently working as a firefighter/paramedic since 2002.

Question-If I apply for a contract tower, will they laugh me out of the office since I haven't worked ATC in 7 years? I have all the necessary "paper requirements" , but have a big gap since the last time I worked ATC? Anybody know contract companies policy on this?

ATCBOY Trusted Member Screwston

I betcha they would jump on you quick! There are always openings at FCT's just have to be willing to accept the locations..

blakeh Trusted Member SLN

Wouldnt you rather try than not??

Who cares if they laugh at you. Maybe youll get lucky. And heres the famous quote "whats the worse that could happen"

atcadvocate Rookie Kentucky

Yea, just kind of tooling with the idea of a major career change! Just trying to explore my options right now. I do miss talking to planes. Oh yea, one other headache... I haven't read the 7110 for 7 years. If I do this , I will have ALOT of reding to do! I'm sure it's not even the same book anymore!

I also worry about this whole contract/FAA politics. Always a fear that the FAA will do away with contract towers. I am too old for the FAA (almost) and will be SOL ! I don't want to end up like those FSS guys that got the FAA golden dildo shoved up their a** ! My prayers are always with those guys! They lost everything. I will always have a bad taste in my mouth towords the FAA admin over that crap!

Anyways, sorry I got a little off color. Thanks 4 the replies. I will be checking back in 4 any others!

Admin I'm Kind of a Big Deal Houston

I knew a guy that had a cto in the navy, hadn't controlled for 10 years and midwest atc hired him for a position in kansas. it took him a while to check out about 2 months or so....a while compared to the 30 days you usually get. anyways, he's doing fine now and actually has transferred to another tower in midwest at this point. I would definitely say it is possible. Just stay on the ball with contacting them and selling yourself. maybe even drive up to the home office and meet the staff. that's what the guy I knew did.

ATCs1222 Junior Member Brooklyn, NY

GO FOR IT!!! Midwest is hiring i think. Try Google Midwest ATC, RVA-Robinson, Serco. Good Luck!

Admin I'm Kind of a Big Deal Houston

Or just look on the left navigation and click on "ATC Jobs"

polo708 Epic Member tower

we have a guy where im at with about a 10 year gap also so your chances are pretty good in my opinion. As for the age thing... dont sweat that. There are no age limits for contract towers. Good luck.

atcadvocate Rookie Kentucky

thanks to all

I know that I can definitely find some good info on here!

Keep em' moving!