ROC Newbie

HeidMS · Posted: 12-26-2009, 05:15 PM

Hey, I'm a long time sandbagger of the forums but I thought I would join since I am very interested in an ATC career. I started out in aviation going to college for Professional Piloting with intentions to go onto the airlines but lately I've convinced myself ATC is the way to go for a stable career. So far I have my Private Pilot certificate and am hoping to finish instrument during the summer. At this point I'm stuck in my search for an atc job. I applied to PUBNAT 8 and shortly after recieved a response stating that I "have not been selected to take the AT-SAT at this time." I have no idea why. The most logical reasoning that I can find is that the FAA is trying to pick those who are closer to 30 first before the younger guys. I am only 20 but I'm still not going to waste time. I'm considering leaving my piloting degree behind and going to CCBC in the fall. I'm not convinced it's the right thing to do yet, but I figure I'll apply for PUBNAT 9, if it ever happens, and if I still don't hear anything I'll probably apply for CCBC later this spring.

GolfJuliet · Posted: 12-26-2009, 05:29 PM

Being a CTI grad will greatly increase your chances, I'm starting CCBC next fall. Maybe I'll see you there good luck!

HeidMS · Posted: 12-26-2009, 05:34 PM

I really hope if I do well in the CTI program it will increase my chances. Do you have a pilot's license yet? I recently talked to Jim Scott and he said it would greatly reduce the number of classes I'd have to take. I'm definitely going for a tour in the spring.

irishcarbomb · Posted: 12-26-2009, 05:43 PM

you're young enough do the CTI thing if you're serious...

i was luck enough to get picked up under pubnat5 (still waiting on a date), but i did the pilot thing and it will never be what it used to be. there is no prestige, there is no money, there is no life for someone with family interests

HeidMS · Posted: 12-26-2009, 05:55 PM

I know exactly what you mean. The wages pilots make these days is hardly enough to pay back student loans. I'm not about to put myself over $100,000 in debt right out of high school then not have a way to pay it back. I work for an airline now and I think because of the low wages, the professionalism has gone out the window.

Rosstafari · Posted: 12-27-2009, 08:18 PM

I've heard there may be a waiting list for CCBC. You might want to check on that now, rather than later, just to be safe.

If you weren't selected to take the AT-SAT for PUBNAT8, there may've been a problem with your application. Did you call Aviation Careers to ask about it? It won't hurt to have a second pair of eyes to go over everything.

You working Delta at ROC? I like that airport. Has a cool little prayer chapel, if I remember right. Know any jetBlue people there? Garbage plates are pretty awful.

GolfJuliet · Posted: 12-27-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosstafari

I've heard there may be a waiting list for CCBC. You might want to check on that now, rather than later, just to be safe.

I talked to J.S. a few weeks ago b4 they got out for Christmas and he talked as if there was no wait, and their not taking apps for the fall semester until this spring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeidMS

I really hope if I do well in the CTI program it will increase my chances. Do you have a pilot's license yet? I recently talked to Jim Scott and he said it would greatly reduce the number of classes I'd have to take. I'm definitely going for a tour in the spring.

No, I'm still in H.S. but I'm gonna get my PPL this next summer and then hopefully start CCBC in the fall. What J.S. meant about taking fewer classes, is that you get to bypass basics when you get to the academy. I'm going for a tour in a few weeks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeidMS

I know exactly what you mean. The wages pilots make these days is hardly enough to pay back student loans. I'm not about to put myself over $100,000 in debt right out of high school then not have a way to pay it back. I work for an airline now and I think because of the low wages, the professionalism has gone out the window.

That's the same reason I'm doing ATC. Originally I wanted to be a pilot but when the economy crashed the pilot job market disappeared and the life style many of them live is pretty crazy. I knew a few older pilots that were retired AF and had been flying for major airlines for years and even they lost their jobs.

HeidMS · Posted: 12-29-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosstafari

I've heard there may be a waiting list for CCBC. You might want to check on that now, rather than later, just to be safe.

If you weren't selected to take the AT-SAT for PUBNAT8, there may've been a problem with your application. Did you call Aviation Careers to ask about it? It won't hurt to have a second pair of eyes to go over everything.

You working Delta at ROC? I like that airport. Has a cool little prayer chapel, if I remember right. Know any jetBlue people there? Garbage plates are pretty awful.

I haven't made any calls to the FAA but I've been contacting and taking tours of ROC and BUF in anticipation of PUBNAT 9. I figure even if it doesn't help with getting selected, at least I'll still be able to learn something. I've been working for DAL Global at ROC for about 1.5 years. Since the airport is so small, you get to know a lot of people from all different airlines. I could go for a garbage plate right now!