ATC, or Aircraft Technician? Help me decide. ?

Question

I went a four year university for a short while to be a commercial Pilot, but decided that it was going to take too much debt and student loans then I cared to take out. My local tech college offers degrees in both ATC and an Aircraft Technician, and i'd like to get into one of those fields and pay for flying out of my own pocket. I think i'd prefer ATC, it pays more, seems more prestigious, FAA benefits, etc. But, all I hear about is how stressful it is, and wonder if I have the discipline to sit in front of a screen all day, how much I would really enjoy it, it makes me think twice. If I do ATC, do I have to be a controller, or can I also do other things like weather briefings or other aviation related functions?

On the other hand, i've always wanted to learn mechanics, it seems like something I would enjoy more than ATC, but from what i've looked into, it doesn't pay nearly as good as ATC or have the Government benifits. Plus, ATC seems like it would be a better foot in the door for when I do become a Pilot? Anyways...i'm enrolled but need to figure out which career option i'm going to go with, and would like some input based on my situation and what i've written out. Thanks!

Answer 1

I dont know everyones personality is different, I spent 10 years in the air force as a turbine engine technician, and loved it.

I also knew many atc's , most didnt last more than 4 years

ask around your local airport to see both jobs, see which you like more

good luck

Answer 2

ATC, think blue collar, vs white collar, I was an A/P for 7 years, finally got out and now I enjoy aviation even more

Answer 3

I can't answer your question completely but I can give you a little insight as far as the aircraft maintenance goes. First of all, if you want to be a pilot then that is what you should shoot for. You will regret it later on if you don't follow through with it. I have been an aircraft mechanic for almost 13 years including my time in the Air Force. I wanted to be a pilot but somehow I went in the wrong direction and never made it back on the right path. Anyway, aircraft maintenance can be fun but it can be horrible at times also. If working on lavatory waste systems and crawling inside of fuel tanks sounds good to you then you should have no problem. Also with the airlines cutting back and contracting out their maintenance the career field is very unstable. And don't think that the maintenance side isn't stressful as well as the ATC side. I wouldn't think that working on the ATC side would be more beneficial in later becoming a pilot as opposed to the maintenance side. ATC would be good for gaining experience communicating on the radios (I'm sure there are other benefits)  where as mtc would be helpful in learning the aircraft systems. That is about all I can tell you. You just have to make the right decision for yourself. It really depends on what you like.  

Answer 4

ATC's definitely earn more than technicians and have a lot of time off, but the job can be quite stressful. In the US the seemingly ignorant FAA is now trying to force controllers to become 'policemen/women narks of the skies' which adds a distinctly unpleasant side to the job.

Aircraft technicians also carry a high level of responsibility, generally they are not well paid for this - the engineer who signs out an aircraft is essentially responsible for it during hundreds of flights whereas the senior pilot, who often earns around 4x more, is only responsible for the aircraft for one flight at a time. A lot of aircraft tech's do what they do because they love aircraft. I am lucky to have created a niche for myself doing restoration work, I get to fly in my spare time and love what I do. If you enjoy doing your work and excel at it, the money will almost automatically get better. Good luck!