Becoming an air traffic controller?

Question

Well, i've been thinking. I don't think a pilots life is a life for me. Although I want to stay in the aviation field, so im considering being an Air traffic controller. Does anyone know how I could get started with that?

Also is it mandatory that I graduate from the FAA recommended College(s)

Answer 1

I dont believe you have to graducate from a FAA college... I think all you need is a high school diploma or GED.

I can get more information to you because my father does ATC.

Good luck on the aviation career path though. Its something I plan on going on.

Answer 2

Well, as a controller, I would recommend getting your training through the military.  You can go active or guard/reserve, but I would stick to the Air Force / Air guard / Air Force Reserve if possible.  The controllers that are trained in the military have a great advantage because they actually have done their job, not just learned about it.  The most common school for ATC is embryriddle.  I know people who went to school for it, and many regret it because they came out with so much debt, and not enough experience.  You will have to determine your own financial situatiion.  Controlling can be stressful, but in my opinion, waiting tables was ten times worse.  It all depends on what type of personality you have really.  I enjoy my job, and have lots of fun doing it.  Some people don't.  Talk to a recruiter.  It will prevent you from going into debt, and you will get paid the whole way through.  The military is the way to go!

     You only have to go to Oklahoma City for training if you get hired by the FAA.  You don't have to go FAA though, there are contract jobs, DOD, plenty of other places to go.  If you do go FAA, your time in OKC all depends on what type of job you receive.  There are 2 types:  Terminal and En Route.  If you get an En Route job you're training in OKC will be a lot longer, your job probably a little more stressful, and pay probably a little higher.  Terminal still pays well too, just depends on how busy your facility is.  That's what determines your pay.  Take your time when decided how you would go about this.  The more experience you have the better job you are likely to get.  If you were one of the few that the FAA hires off the street and trains, you most likely will not be placed at a busy, high paying facility.  My recommendation is to get your certifications in another way, and have a back up plan in case the FAA doesn't work out for you.  Many people are not liking it right now because they are not the highest paying employer for controllers.  DOD is a good option at the moment, but that is always subject to change!

Answer 3

Not sure now, but I started in the USAF years (too many to mention) ago. Then when I got out, went to work for CAA (Before the FAA) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac or SEA). In the days of the round engines ATC was interesting, Radar was just coming into the system and would fail at least once a day. Engine out appoaches were very common in those days

Answer 4

I heard that it's one of the most stressful jobs around.

Answer 5

3 options.  

Join the military.  If that is your route, talk to a recruiter, I'm no help there.  

Apply off the street.  Go to www.faa.gov

Go to an FAA approved collegiate training initiative college (CTI School).  

There are pros and cons to each.  For some the military is a great option, but to others it isn't an appealing option.  

Off the street hiring doesn't require a 4 year military commitment or going to school, but if you have zero aviation knowledge, trying to go from knowing nothing to learning how to work traffic in a few weeks is a monumental task to say the least.  

CTI costs you money which is understandably not appearling to some, but that way you have a degree and education in the field.  

Also, don't confuse the FAA academy with "FAA recommended colleges" (CTI schools).  Only ex military controllers bypass the FAA academy, and several of them dont even do that.  The FAA academy is for off the street applicants their zero to hero program if you will, while for ex military and CTI grads it is more of a refresher course.  

Also to the previous poster, yes Embry grads have mountains of debt.  I respect them for their choice and don't mean to sound rude, but they knowingly went to a private, very expensive 4 year university when there are a plethora of state universities and even community colleges who offer the same degree in the eyes of the FAA.  They could have just as well gotten an AS for 20% of what they paid at ERU or a BS with a fall back degree for half.

Answer 6

It is not necessary to participate in the CTI program (that is probably what you are referring as an FAA recommended college).  You can be hired off the street and be placed at a high level facility, such as a center.  We have two in the pipeline, and I know of another busy facility that is slated to receive 15 off the street developmentals.  You will definitely attend the FAA academy in OKC, and if you are hired off the street, you will have one additional course while there.  It is:  http://www.academy.faa.gov/catalog/cours...

While you're at that web location, you can browse the other courses and get an idea what you're facing.

It's not easy to get through the training.  There are many withdraws at the academy, and resignations and terminations during the training at the facility are very common.  If you do make it though, it's a fascinating and challenging job.  Good luck.