cforst513 Rookie

Hey all. I am new to the site, new to the whole ATC-as-a-job idea. I have been perusing this site a bit and PPW and I'm having trouble about where to start. I am a pilot, don't have a CTI, not considering OTS and would be an off-the-street hire. As far as I can tell, I have to apply to be given a test date for the ATSAT. Then after that, I have to wait upwards of a year for the FAA to put me someplace I didn't choose. After that, I have an idea of what happens.

How do I get my name in to take the ATSAT? What are these PUBNAT things I keep seeing on here?

I know this has probably been posted on this site already, I'm just gonna be 'that guy' and ask again . Thanks for your help.

RdRunnr12 Site Editor

Hi! Welcome to the site.

Without being a CTI grad or a military veteran with ATC experience, you would need to apply to a PUBNAT. It's the abbreviation for public announcement. The next PUBNAT is not expected to be until January and even that date is a little iffy right now. You would be considered an OTS (off the street) as you don't have any experience in ATC and you aren't a CTI graduate.

Once you apply to the PUBNAT, you would be on a list to take the AT-SAT. After you take the test, you will then submit a geographic preference where you choose 2 states you're willing to work, after that, you cross your fingers and hope you get picked.

How old are you? Expect to wait at least a year and a half before you hear anything regarding selection for this job. You have to have a tentative offer letter (TOL) before you turn 31.

Good luck! Hopefully this answered some of your questions.

GolfJuliet I clip the cows Republic of Texas

Beat me to it!

cforst513 Rookie

Thanks. That little bit clarified a WHOLE lot of confusion for me. While this site is helpful, it needs a "Want to become an ATCer, click here" button.

I'm 26 now, so I have... 1, 2.... carry the 9, red square..... 5 years until I'm 31, so hopefully it's not an issue. For the PUBNAT thing, would I find that on usajobs.com or through the FAA website?

GolfJuliet I clip the cows Republic of Texas

Right now, a majority of the people on the site are "wanna be ATCers" or are in the process of being hired. If I was you I would do CTI bc it's rumored that the FAA is going to stop doing PUBNATS, and here lately all they've hired are CTI and VRA people. BTW you will find them on usajobs.com.

RdRunnr12 Site Editor

They are a little easier to find on the faa.gov site.

cforst513 Rookie

From what I've read here, the CTI is a 2 or 4 year degree. I have my degree already, I'm not gearing up to get another one. Are there lesser options out there? Financially, the CTI is out of the question. I really need to get on this, I guess, and get my hat in the ring ASAP so I can be a OTS hire. I hope not getting the CTI doesn't preclude me from getting a job.

RdRunnr12 Site Editor

Being OTS will not preclude you from the job, but it will drastically reduce your odds VS being CTI.

If you have a degree already, I've heard that there are some programs that allow you to just take a few classes. I think you might even be able to take them online. The programs do qualify for financial aid as well. It's definately worth it to take a look. Check the CTI section, there are quite a few threads regarding this topic.

Either way, Good Luck!

cforst513 Rookie

Thanks, man. You've been quite helpful. I think I'm figgering this out. Do I have this order right?

1) Contact FAA for a ATSAT date
2) Get date, take the test
3) After getting test score, PUBNAT will be released
4) Must apply thru ASAP to the PUBNAT job listing
5) If don’t get that PUBNAT, apply to next
6) Score good for 3 years, can retake after 1 year if wanted

Right?

Admin I'm Kind of a Big Deal Houston

I'm in the process of making a newer version, but until then, check this out...it should get you started: FAA - ATC New Hire Information

There are a lot of helpful links on the left column under ATC Information and FAA Academy Info...as well as a ton of useful resources at the top navigation bar for ATC Housing, ATC facilitiy listings, facility guides, and so on...hope this helps.

Welcome to StuckMic!