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vfr, NATCA, PATCO, ALPA, ATA, natcaTHREAD:hessduke's Thread
patco, alpa, ata, union, unionsSUBJECT:Interested_in_becoming_an_ATC.
labor unions, bargaining unitsTO:hessduke
bargaining unit, contracts, contractFROM:ihate2fly
natcanet, national, associationPOSTED: 2/8/2008, 2:12AM EDT

hessduke wrote: [TO: ihate2fly]
Thanks for your response - are you happy being an ATC Do you find that the pay is decent and benefits are good Are the hours as shi**y as everyone says I want to be able to be home nights and some weekends to be with my family but also want to be able to provide for them. I hope this makes sense

I don't think I've ever considered myself to be an a**hole really - I wonder if that means I wouldn't fit in. hah.

I do think I have great decision making skills, can think quickly on my feet, and am intelligent. I also LOVE the thrill of a fast-paced job and know how to handle stress. Also, I've always been very good at picturing things 3-D (LOVED geometry in school and a good math student) so feel ATC could be a good fit for me

I want to be sure it's the right career path. Do you have any suggestions of books to read or shadowing opportunities to be sure i am doing the right thing

Also, how long have you been an ATC, just out of curiousity If you've been working at different locations, is there one that you feel is 'better' than another

Thanks for your help

ihate2fly wrote: [TO: hessduke]
Am I happy with my job

- Hell yes Then again, I'm lucky to be a DODer and not an FAAer.

Are the hours sh*tty

- Yep. At most 24/7/365 facilities, you can expect to work 2 nights, 2 days, and a mid. You'll be low on the senority totem pole so expect to work every weekend you're not on leave and almost every holiday.

Books or shadow opportunities

- There are several ATC school blogs out there. There are no shadow opportunities that I'm aware of. Your best bet is probably to call your nearest FAA ATC facility, tell them you're interested, and ask for a tour. Being a college grad, you are more likely to get better info from other college grads. I suggest visiting www.atccti.com.

How long have I been ATC Do I prefer a location more than another

- I'm in my 15th year and at my 5th facility. I can't say I like one place over another. The way I feel about it is we are there to provide a service. I attempt to give every person I talk to (pilots, ops, snow removal, grass cutters) the best service I can. What truly makes a facility great are the people you work with. If you hate coming into work because you're working with someone you hate, you're not going to like where you work. That's especially true if you hate working for your manglement.

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