Help with CTI desicion (Mt. Sac or Vaughn) - Air Traffic Control - ATC

**angryweb** · Posted: 02-08-2010, 09:48 PM

Good evening all, things are getting tough for me and so I'm turning to those that know better than I do.

For those that may remember, I am 27 and hold a PPL. With time running out, I applied to Mt. Sac here in CA and was intending on getting my CTI at their 2 year program. Today was my registration date and low and behold...every class is full. The adviser told me I can come in for the first class and try to add but that was my only option at this point.

If any of you are familiar with Mt. Sac, how challenging will it be to add courses and is there any chance that I can get my first semester classes waived (FAA regs, av weather, and a private pilot ground course) since I have done all of that and have my certificate?

My next question relates to Vaughn. If Mt. Sac falls through, I understand that I can do a year in the online program with Vaughn. I have a 4 year degree from a Cal State school (in a non-related field) so do I need any other classes to get into the program? Are the courses done during the day or night (or is there an option)? Is the WHOLE program done online or will I have to go to their location at some point and for how long? (Somebody who may know, a rundown of the process would be much appreciated).

Relocation at this time is not possible since I have a stable, but unenjoyable, job in marketing.

Thanks in advanced everyone.

**angryweb** · Posted: 02-09-2010, 05:42 PM

I am also reading that if I don't have a specific bachelor's degree, I won't be able to apply for the CTI at Vaughn without taking some prerequisites like Calculus etc...

Has anybody attended Vaughn and is this true? If so, I really don't think I will finish CTI in time =(

**WillR15** · Posted: 02-09-2010, 07:14 PM

I attend Vaughn, I can give you there number and an extension number where you can speak to a guidance counselor who can answer all your questions. The school is closed wednesday, so call the following day. (718) 429-6600 EXT. 203 EXT.155 EXT.162 EXT.161

**atcpookie** · Posted: 02-09-2010, 08:40 PM

I can’t really speak specifically to your situation or about Vaughn. I had a Cal State degree and chose to go to Mt. Sac. I knew that my Cal State degree would help there. I only had to do the core classes for the CTI degree. As a result I went through the program in a year and a 1/2. I commuted from the Long Beach area

All these CTI programs are here to do is teach you the basic book knowledge. All the sims and toys at other schools are fine but not necessary – sometimes they actually hurt too. Plus I think that Robert and Linda Rogus are great people, they actually care and are helpful.

Again I am speaking from a few years ago 2003. This was right before it became an impacted department.

Hope this helps

**angryweb** · Posted: 02-09-2010, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atcpookie

I can’t really speak specifically to your situation or about Vaughn. I had a Cal State degree and chose to go to Mt. Sac. I knew that my Cal State degree would help there. I only had to do the core classes for the CTI degree. As a result I went through the program in a year and a 1/2. I commuted from the Long Beach area

All these CTI programs are here to do is teach you the basic book knowledge. All the sims and toys at other schools are fine but not necessary – sometimes they actually hurt too. Plus I think that Robert and Linda Rogus are great people, they actually care and are helpful.

Again I am speaking from a few years ago 2003. This was right before it became an impacted department.

Hope this helps

This does help. I am commuting from the Valley near Ventura County. I got a late registration date and all of the classes are full. I'm hoping I can add on the first day preferably with evening classes so I can still work.

**rogersjf** · Posted: 02-10-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryweb

Good evening all, things are getting tough for me and so I'm turning to those that know better than I do.

For those that may remember, I am 27 and hold a PPL. With time running out, I applied to Mt. Sac here in CA and was intending on getting my CTI at their 2 year program. Today was my registration date and low and behold...every class is full. The adviser told me I can come in for the first class and try to add but that was my only option at this point.

If any of you are familiar with Mt. Sac, how challenging will it be to add courses and is there any chance that I can get my first semester classes waived (FAA regs, av weather, and a private pilot ground course) since I have done all of that and have my certificate?

My next question relates to Vaughn. If Mt. Sac falls through, I understand that I can do a year in the online program with Vaughn. I have a 4 year degree from a Cal State school (in a non-related field) so do I need any other classes to get into the program? Are the courses done during the day or night (or is there an option)? Is the WHOLE program done online or will I have to go to their location at some point and for how long? (Somebody who may know, a rundown of the process would be much appreciated).

Relocation at this time is not possible since I have a stable, but unenjoyable, job in marketing.

Thanks in advanced everyone.

Well here is some info about Vaughn i started last year Jan 09 finished up this past Dec 09. The fast track is based on your past degree, if you have a business degree it requires less general courses to get done. If you do not it takes a little more, the difference is 3 classes. You can do all your courses online however i highly suggest you take the ATC classes in class (great teachers who are all controllers around the NYC area) There is one final courses that you will have to come in no matter what, that is the capstone test which basically you take a test on all the CTI courses.

With all that said, registration at vaughn is closed for the spring semester, there are no ATC classes during the summer. So right there you are there to at least next Spring '11. Personally i think,by the time you get a FOL you will be over 31 and would of wasted alot of money. It all depends on this "freeze" and how many people will be getting hired. Lets just say it is not impossible but the odds went way down in the past couple months for all of us to get picked up in a timely manner.

**angryweb** · Posted: 02-10-2010, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogersjf

With all that said, registration at vaughn is closed for the spring semester, there are no ATC classes during the summer. So right there you are there to at least next Spring '11. Personally i think,by the time you get a FOL you will be over 31 and would of wasted alot of money. It all depends on this "freeze" and how many people will be getting hired. Lets just say it is not impossible but the odds went way down in the past couple months for all of us to get picked up in a timely manner.

Actually, Mt. Sac is starting to look like the smart choice for me. It's local and can be done in a year and a half (assuming I can add the classes this semester). My birthday is the day after Christmas so it is late in the year. Worse case scenario is I have to do 4 semesters at Mt. Sac and will finish right before my 29th birthday. That gives me 2 years to try and get hired in an economy that may be different than it is now.

Does that seem realistic? And side note, I have a meeting with the director of the program to see if my PPL will be credited to the first semester.

**rogersjf** · Posted: 02-10-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryweb

Does that seem realistic? And side note, I have a meeting with the director of the program to see if my PPL will be credited to the first semester.

Yes and no, logically it works out time wise. However the variables that you cannot control really hurt your chances of getting picked up. If this freeze goes on for an extended period of time the amount of students who will be eligible for the CTI bid will be massive. Thus a larger pool the FAA can pick out of who they will pick is the question up in the air. Even if you do get picked up, you still need to get to the point of the process where your age freeze's. So you really cannot have any delay in the pre employment checks because an appeal can really be drawn out.

In the end it all comes down to luck, i know kids who have been waiting 20 months and kids who got picked up in 3 months. I am 24 so i got some time but i think you are rolling the dice, however even the house cannot win a 100% of the time. Good Luck!

**angryweb** · Posted: 02-10-2010, 11:37 PM

I just have to look at the silver lining. Worse cast scenario is that I get a degree in Aviation Sciences and get some IFR ground training with the possibility of a job in dispatch should I choose to pursue a career in aviation.

**MTCTIGUY** · Posted: 02-14-2010, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryweb

I just have to look at the silver lining. Worse cast scenario is that I get a degree in Aviation Sciences and get some IFR ground training with the possibility of a job in dispatch should I choose to pursue a career in aviation.

Actually, for dispatch you would have to complete a program from one of the schools or training programs listed on this document. http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...dia/part65.pdf
Most are 5-6 weeks, and cost somewhere in the $3500-$5000 range. In order to qualify for the accelerated courses, you need at least a commercial instrument rating.