Has Anyone Done Advanced ATC?

[jl_aatc]

Anyone who graduates from Advanced ATC will have a CTO and will be able to apply as a controller. From the faa website:
Control Tower Operator Appointments

We are accepting applications from individuals possessing a Control Tower Operator certificate with a facility rating from trade schools, universities, and colleges.

 

[arg3b]

Well that changes everything. Who do I write this $50,000 check out to?

 

[GolfJuliet]

Come on now, I mean he gets 6 months in a tower, and you only get 8 at CCBC for half the price. Btw you can send that check to me and I'll make sure it gets uhh processed correctly

 

[undergrdvoices93]

hey, wheres the CTO sub forum under the ATC EMPLOYMENT FORUM?

 

[GolfJuliet]

I don't think there is one.

 

[RFDATM]

Why pay $50,000 and have about the same chance of getting a job as an OTS applicant? CTI students have a way better shot of getting a job, even with a low 70s AT-SAT score, than anyone without a CTI or veteran background. However, as a graduate of the Advanced ATC program, in the FAA's eyes, you will be treated as an off the street applicant.

Also, why do you say you will be more prepared than a CTI student? Where are your facts? How many of Advanced ATC graduates have gone to the Academy and passed? Which facilities do your graduates work at? Im sorry, but the FAA does not recognize this program, and this sounds like a huge rip-off.

A graduate of this program with a Control Tower Operator (CTO) rating is a better candidate than a CTI graduate without a CTO. Why? Because a CTO means that someone is actually certified to provide ATC services/work live traffic. Sims are great but a CTO comes from FARs just like a private pilots license. PLUS the CTO bid is open right now! Not the case for OTS.

 

[GolfJuliet]

Thanks for clearing that up for everybody because I don't think we knew that.

 

[DeltaNui]

A graduate of this program with a Control Tower Operator (CTO) rating is a better candidate than a CTI graduate without a CTO. Why? Because a CTO means that someone is actually certified to provide ATC services/work live traffic. Sims are great but a CTO comes from FARs just like a private pilots license. PLUS the CTO bid is open right now! Not the case for OTS.

Yeah, but the CTI bid is continuously open.

 

[RdRunnr12]

CTO's don't need a panel for selection though. CTI's do.

 

[flyingwriter]

CTOs also have the option of private towers, which non-CTO CTI grads don't.

 

[arg3b]

Yeah, but who wants to work for a contract tower?

 

[Roddy_Piper]

the AND a rating part makes it a true CTO. the CTO test is not the one u need for a FCT. be very very weary of what that school is promising u. without a facility rating u don't have a CTO in the sense that u can apply to an FCT or apply to a CTO announcement for FAA hiring.

sketchy at best...my opinion.

 

[GolfJuliet]

I heard that CCBC did away with the CTO part of their program.

 

[admin]

Advanced ATC does issue a CTO (Control Tower Operators) License. You work real traffic on an airport and get an FAA CTO. Getting your CTO at that tower also enables you to have a facility rating since you are qualified throughout the entire facility.

A lot of CTI students and OTS applicants get CTO confused (like Roddy stated) with the initial air traffic control test that many schools make you take. Most military branches also administer that test during your initial ATC school before you arrive to your facility for OJT.

For the purposes of the announcements the FAA puts out, they are looking for the license that you receive when you become facility rated in a control tower. Control Tower Operator (CTO) license.

The new SM "All about ATC" guide should be out in the next few days and it explains most of your questions like these.

 

[echo1]

I just graduated from L3's CTO academy November 30 09. Different school but same idea. Have my facility rating and CTO for KGYI. Got my CTO check ride on november 19, applied for the CTO announcement on the 20th, faxed them my temp CTO card. Now waiting on the next referral list. Praying everyday I get picked up. There was 12 us in the graduating class. There were 5 that graduated with a facility rating and CTO. Everyone else just graduated because they passed all the academics. The people that didnt get their CTO and facility rating was given and extension so they have a little bit of time left to get their CTO. I'll keep you guys inform on the situation.

 

[Roddy_Piper]

@echo1,
this is the CTO u need and want. if u get a check ride in the tower then it's the license and not the test. congrats man.

 

[freakfly23]

I'm resurrecting this thread because I'm looking into this school. Are there any new opinions on it? Seems too good to be true.

 

[DaOsprey]

I'm resurrecting this thread because I'm looking into this school. Are there any new opinions on it? Seems too good to be true.

Did it, worked there, now at my 2nd FAA facility. Dan is a great guy, study hard, be willing to work, don't around. The goal is to get hired by the FAA or one of the contractors to accumulate experience. Some of their graduates work at places like CLT, BNA, ZHU, ZID, etc...

 

[freakfly23]

Thank you for the reply. I'm going for it. Should hopefully start in Jan.

 

[Bravo Delta]

I know a couple guys that went that route. Got hired contract stateside then picked up faa.