FCT questions

meadelz Senior Member

Presumably there has been a substantial hiring slow down with FCT's since the FAA is slow. I am working my way towards employment (someday) with a FCT, and was wondering what is involved in tower their check out??

Aside from the hands on element and the ability to work traffic, is there a written exam? Looking forward to hearing the process from start to finish from any of you who are willing to offer it up!!

Thank you in advance!!

EFC Junior Member On a Van by the Sea

Yes, there is a written exam to show your knowledge of the airfield diagram, approach plates, LOAs, etc.

rATC Newcomer

As stated in the previous message, there is an exam.

There are several tests, depending on the facility/manager, on different positions and knowledge of the airspace, approaches, equipment, etc.

I'm not sure about all ATC companies, but with RVA, you have 30 days to get checked out. From start to finish. Time waivers may be available, based on how the training is coming along, traffic (Or lack thereof--time of year, etc.) and most importantly, the impression you've made on the manager and the impression he/she makes on the approving authority for the extension.

Hope that was helpful.

Best of luck!

meadelz Senior Member

Thank you for your help. I'm trying to be proactive insofar as to study up on LOA's, airport diagram, approach plates, airspace etc. of the airport I want to go to.

Thanks again!!

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

Plus, if your so lucky to get a tower that does LAWRS [/sarcasm] then you will have to take the LAWRS test too. I assure u, it'll be one of the hardest test you will ever take in your life.

whegner Junior Member

Actually the test itself isn't that bad, I took mine two weeks ago and somehow got a 98%. It's the CBI training program sucks like there's no tomorrow, I swear it's designed to make you second guess yourself at every turn. I'm back in the field after 15 years out and when they told me about it in the interview, I thought it was a fancy new name for the local tower vsby test...I figured they somehow standardized it with the exception of landmarks. Little did I know they changed the whole damn system to a metric centric "We are the World" system. D'oh!

polo708 Epic Member tower

Some FCTs have tests and some dont... some just basically give you the answers and some dont.

As far as LAWRS goes... worst test EVER! that test made me feel bad about myself, lol.

meadelz Senior Member

You guys are a riot. I will savor the day when I hear "gosh, wouldn't it be nice if we could take that test more often??" I am going to take it fairly soon. Still trying to get past the sector visibility chapter first though.

rATC Newcomer

Mmm hmm, that is a fun test! I think the worst part is, having to painstakingly go through it, hour by hour, with very few ways to "shortcut" it.

It will hammer some good information into your head though... If you wanna be a weather guru.

It's not too bad though. Just take plenty of notes for the test.

rATC Newcomer

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