Are these "quals" worth anything?

chickymcnuffin Rookie

My husband was ATC in the Marine Corps for a year and a half, and while he did that he got two "baby quals" (what they call them - not sure what they're called elsewhere or in the civilian world) - Final Control and Flight Data Radar. Are those worth anything? Like worth putting on the application? He wasn't sure if it was even worth mentioning or what they'd be called in FAA terms or if it's just Marine Corps. Any help would be terrific!

DRod It is certainly an exciting field!! San Diego

I'm sorry to say, but I don't think either of those are applicable to any FAA application. The only qualifications that the FAA would like to see would be: CTO - certified tower operator (aka. Local Controller) or RATCF/RAPCON - radar air traffic control facility (Arrival Controller)/radar approach control (Approach Controller). The others are good for experience, but just aren't what the FAA wants to see.

The biggest thing that will set him apart from the rest of the crowed will be his Veteran status. Veterans get at least a 5pt preference (and if 30% disabled, a 10pt preference). This puts us leaps and bounds ahead. After all, trying for a job with a federal agency, and having experience with another federal entity only increases your chances.

I would still put everything on your application that shows any type of ATC experience. As well as any other outstanding awards or qualifications. These types of things show initiative and train-ability. And in my opinion, these things can only help. Good luck!

haystack510 Junior Member Fremont, CA

I have two buddies from the military that both only had final and data only, both with the FAA now.

Drenntho Rookie Virginia Beach

I have a question about the quals, I spent all my time on a ship as a controller. I read the app and it said shipboard ATC wasn't qualifying ATC exp. The VRA hr guy was telling me this to but they pulled my app for TN. It only says they are reviewing it but does that normally mean I will get an interview or not?
I also say that its kinda ridiculous they don't acknowledge carrier ATC, the runway is always moving and we really only do any kind of real work at night or in the worst weather imaginable. That's only my opinion sorry for venting.

flyinrico Trusted Member 6 XXX 7 EXX00 10 XXX..OKC..BHM

Not to hi-jack the thread, but...I'm an AF controller myself. I've always been interested in how the Navy controls at sea...MVA never the same, radar arrival pattern always changing, no en-route structure to deal with, and best of all no FAA facilities to deal with!

Sounds like a challenge...

I'm still applying myself, but I think you should find somewhere on the ASAP application to put your experience. Why not "Work History" and "Other Qualifications?"

Drenntho Rookie Virginia Beach

The general rule is always try to keep the planes moving to the boat no matter what, the biggest concern at sea is fuel. The birds have to dump a ton of weight to land and if they miss one pass it puts them at a low state. Operating off the coast of the US we still have to play by some of the rules and restrictions set by the FAA.

I haven't controlled any traffic elsewhere, but its really fast. Launch and recoveries don't last long but the only thing I can say is it's kind of a rush for those 30 or 45 mins. You never know what you're going to get, from the boat turning 180 degrees to multiple emergencies coming back. I don't miss the ship life or the navy at all, but I do miss controlling.

Ramstar13 Senior Member

yes he can, Finals is actually considered a "facilty rating" according to the FAA. I had it on my resume as that when i got hired, i also had a CTO but they lady who helped me with my resume worked for the FAA.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

wait, wouldn't the mva ALWAYS be the same at sea? ur at 0ft MSL at all times. no matter how big the waves got, ur still at 0ft MSL...or AGL for that matter.

atcbrownie Trusted Member Warrenton Va

This is my thinking also.

SkylinesSuck Senior Member asleep at work

I thought he was being sarcastic.

Either way, I doubt each aircraft carrier has a TERPster constantly giving them new MVA's to abide by when they sail between to big islands. Maybe somebody determines an MSA, but I bet it's just up to the pilots to not hit the ground. Shoot, are the aircraft even operating IFR (not just in IFR conditions) when they are coming and going from the ship? You'd think they would look up the existing MVA's when they got near land and use those. Actually, I just realized. If they are going anywere with an existing MVA, they would have to let the control agency who mapped it out work the aircraft. Not that "Naval Aviators" would pay any attention anyways (don't get me started on P-3, AV-8, and F-18 pilots).

We had an "amphibious assault ship" like this ---> en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Essex_(LHD-2) that came and went from Okinawa the whole time I was there. They used to do the most mentally retarded things like park right in the Class B which was surface to 10,000', right in the damn departure corridor from Naha International (like 5nm N of the field itself), and pump helicopters off with ZERO coordination. After the airliners started freaking out about TCAS and stuff, I finally got a hold of one of the pilots on guard and asked them "WTF?" and he said "It's cool. We have our own controllers on board". I was like "well, you are in MY airspace and trying to cause an international incedent. You CAN'T be here." No kidding 1 hour later the boat was 30nm NW and just on the edge of the Bravo. Even if you are going to be retarded enough to pump helo's off 500' below a departing heavy B777, you would think somebody might try and get a hold of the approach control agency who's airspace your are ass raping and warn them. Not a peep.