fairlady Newcomer

So I have read all the threads (this site is awesome!) And I still have specifics. I am a 26 year old single parent planning to become a air traffic controller and needs to what are the best options. I have come up with two: 1. Continue with the CTI program at the school I am currently enrolled in with two years left to graduate, however I will be 28 on the verge of 29 and have no guarantee that I will be offered employment. 2. Is keep working with my ANG recuiter who "says" he can get me to WY for ATC, the only problem is I will be 32 when released from the ANG...Then what do I do? The cut off for the FAA 31!!! I need solid advice and information. PLEASE!!! Also what is pubnet and DOD? LET ME KNOW IF THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS!

liandrajade I am THE Pocket Ninja farmingdale ny

hmmm i wouldnt rely on anyones promise...id say keep up with the cti, keep an eye out for public announcements or pubnats...dod is department of defense...take a quick look thru the forums on here, you will find tons of info....

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

at this point, continuing with the CTI program seems the most promising opportunity for ATC in the FAA. i assume ur wanting an ATC job in the FAA and not "just" an ATC job right? cuz if u just want to work ATC u could do it in the military. u would probably miss the age cutoff for the FAA (as u stated) but u would still be doing ATC.

if u want an FAA career in ATC then continue on with your CTI program and hope u get hired within 2 years of graduation.

littlebrick Rookie

Just a warning about this career field and being a single parent. It's very hard. The schedule rotates and you will have to work holidays. Child care is not so easy to deal with. Just a heads up. If you have a good support system that will make it easier.

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

You must not forget that the majority of FAA facilities are 24/7, most facilities do not have child care facilities. I've seen single parents as well as married controllers with children struggle with child care issues unless they were lucky enough to have family near that could help out.

You're accomplishing a lot now being a single parent, but it is important that you know that as an FAA controller you are expected to be able to work any number of shifts/schedules.

fairlady Newcomer

thanks guys but I an still going towards the career.

cjad1987 Newcomer

CTI is your best option for FAA considering your circumstances.

The ANG recruiter is probably not lying to you but remember his goals are those of the military he may sympathize but he is not obligated to care whether you ever get into FAA or not.

PUBNAT refers to public announcements by the FAA seeking people to apply to take the AT-SAT test "off the street" with no prior experience. Usually you need to have a degree or some work experience or some combination of the two. I have never looked into it heavily. It was easier to get in off the street just 2 yrs or so ago but not so much any more. It is at the point now where you would be waiting a very, very long time if you ever even get selected. I don't have any hard info to be discouraging people with but best case scenario is it remains a long shot, worst case scenario is OTS hiring drops off completely or is only used as a last resort when absolutely needed.

The long and short of it is don't put your life and livelihood on a PUBNAT. You are doing the right thing with CTI. Good luck and keep working at it!

atp2atc Junior Member Boston, MA

I could be wrong but I thought you could get an FAA job while still in the guard, so you wouldnt have to wait til your done with them. I think someone said that once you do a deployment you're good to apply to the FAA.

RFDATM Senior Member IL

I believe that would be a viable option - Go ANG for ATC, get a CTO and then apply to FAA under the CTO announcement.

fairlady Newcomer

what is CTO? Thanks guys for the info! Are there restrictions about deployments that count towards being able to apply FAA?