Good jobs to get while wating for ATC...?

1000awhp Newcomer

I was just wondering what some good jobs were that are relative to the ATC scene...Something in aviation or aerospace...To get a better idea of how thing work in an airport...Preferably something that doesnt require a degree...Thanks!

mtlatc Epic Member In a bus down by the river!

Not to be a smart a** but in this economy take what you can get.

Battani22 Trusted Contributor Minnesota

Pretty much what mtlatc said...some times the FAA comes out with paid internships at certain facilities, ZMP has one. But I haven't seen one another bid come out for a long time though.

Sixburgh77 Newcomer

You could try Line Service at an FBO. I would recommend this to anybody that is waititng for their ATC job. Most FBO's dont require a degree for their line service positions and the job will allow you to experience how an airport works more so than say, throwing bags for southwest or other airlines.(Not that there is anything wrong with that.)

I recommend working at a major airport though or at least an international, not your local airfield unless your local airfield is PDK or an extremely busy General Aviation Airport. You will have access to ground radio transceivers and in some cases may actually communicate with the tower if you have to enter the movement area of the airport. At my FBO we have to tow on taxiways regularly so we are in contact with the CT and unless you are a pilot or work for airport operations that is about as close as you can get to ATC experience.

Just listening to the radio all day everyday you learn, "The Language", or at least get a taste. No to mention you get to meet some pretty high profile people and make some kick ass tips sometimes. Most positions pay 10-15 and hour and can be pretty fun but I wont lie, it can really suck if the weather is bad.

It's worth looking into, hope this helps!

GolfJuliet F*** Terrorism

You could do flight dispatch for a major airline, you have to be 21 and it costs anywhere from $2500-$5000 and takes anywhere from 2-8 weeks. It all depends on your experience.

TimShady Trusted Contributor Chicago, IL

If only it were that easy....

GolfJuliet F*** Terrorism

I didn't say it was easy, that's just it in a nutshell though.

Rosstafari Daaaang. /X

Dispatch is a career... not really something you'd just pick up while waiting on your application to go through.

LBCALI Makes it work.

I heard unemployment pay aint bad...LOL!!!

Raydon Happy Camper OKC

i've heard dispatch is good, but if you're looking for something a little more hands on you may try working the flight-line at an FBO or at your local large airport.