I realize that this has been discussed before but I wanted to pose a few questions that I didn't really find answers to. Hopefully I can get some feedback from some ATC'ers and from some ATC'ers who were formerly pilots.
My background...I graduated with a B.S. from a university with a major in aviation focusing on flight. I did NOT get my CTI cert. which I now regret. Currently, I fly a mid-size corporate jet. I am looking to make the change for a better quality of life b/c now I am on call 24/7/365 and its wearing on me. Last month I was home 3 nights, which has been typical lately to have a night, maybe two at home per week. To be quite honest, it has sucked the joy out of flying for me. To be competitive for any jobs now you need 5000 more hours than I have and several more type ratings and I am just not wanting to put in the years to get there, sacrificing family life, etc. That is why I am wanting to make the switch. I still am an aviation enthusiast and want to stay in the field.
So my questions are these: Do I pursue the CTI certification now or wait for the next OTS hiring for ATC (keeping in mind, I could only do this online and not go to an actual class)? If I should pursue my CTI, where can I accomplish this online? Does someone with my experience have a little better chance at getting hired OTS than most? Do I stand a better chance at getting hired if I get the CTI cert? If I apply during the next PUBNAT, how long till I will hear something? Is ATC hiring similar to corporate pilots in that it depends on who you know? I guess I am just looking for someone to point me in the right direction. I appreciate any help or advice I could get.
My background...I graduated with a B.S. from a university with a major in aviation focusing on flight. I did NOT get my CTI cert. which I now regret. Currently, I fly a mid-size corporate jet. I am looking to make the change for a better quality of life b/c now I am on call 24/7/365 and its wearing on me. Last month I was home 3 nights, which has been typical lately to have a night, maybe two at home per week. To be quite honest, it has sucked the joy out of flying for me. To be competitive for any jobs now you need 5000 more hours than I have and several more type ratings and I am just not wanting to put in the years to get there, sacrificing family life, etc. That is why I am wanting to make the switch. I still am an aviation enthusiast and want to stay in the field.
So my questions are these: Do I pursue the CTI certification now or wait for the next OTS hiring for ATC (keeping in mind, I could only do this online and not go to an actual class)? If I should pursue my CTI, where can I accomplish this online? Does someone with my experience have a little better chance at getting hired OTS than most? Do I stand a better chance at getting hired if I get the CTI cert? If I apply during the next PUBNAT, how long till I will hear something? Is ATC hiring similar to corporate pilots in that it depends on who you know? I guess I am just looking for someone to point me in the right direction. I appreciate any help or advice I could get.