How do i become an air traffic controller?

Question

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

Answer 1

Best way is go to your local air port and ask them if there is a way that you could talk with one during there break.

Answer 2

Go to school.  Not a profession to go into if you can't handle stress well.

Answer 3

Check out www.faa.gov.  ATC is run by the federal government so you either have to become a controller through the FAA or the military.  On the FAA website there is a link on the left side under "Highlights" that says "Become an Air Traffic Controller."  That should give you some good information.  

I am a controller and currently to become a controller you need to attend what is called a CTI school/college.  These are just regular colleges/universities that have FAA approved contoller courses and accompanying degree.  There are only a dozen or so of these schools in the country and you can find a list of them on the FAA website.  Most schools are only 1 1/2 to 2 years and you finish with an associates degree in aviation/ATC/aeronautics or whatever the school you attend chooses to call it.  It's not any more expensive than any other associates degree, and I'm fairly sure you could spend less than $10,000 getting it.  

Once you finish at your CTI school you apply to the FAA for the job and usually have to wait 4-6 months for the FAA to contact you.  Should you qualify for the job you will be hired and will attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for 2-3 months for training (once you begin at the academy they start paying you).  Once you pass the Academy, you will then be sent to your assigned facility and continue on-the-job training for another year or two.  

I would say that ATC is probably one of the highest paying jobs that you can get with the least amount of formal education.  Feel free to email me directly if you have more questions!