Want to be an ATC (Long Post)

Livestrg05

Livestrg05

New Member
Hello All-

Im new here, and I'm seriously looking into becoming an ATC. I know what the NATCA and the FAA are going through right now, plus the imposed work rules, but it's also always been an interest of mine. A quick background, Im 24, I have a student pilots license that I've had for about 8 years, my father built a KR-2S in our garage when I was in high school and has been a pilot for 25 years and his father was a Connie and C-130 pilot, my cousin is a Top Gun instructor in the Navy, and I've been around planes all my life.

I'd like to apply as a civilian, being that I already have BS degree. I know the FAA previously had a lot of All Sources announcements up for different areas and regions, but lately they haven't had any. The only All Sources announcement that's up isn't for a specific region, and I don't even know if I could apply for it because it looks like the FAA only wants previously Military Exp. or a CTO license.

I guess my question is how can I go about applying off the street and be elgible to take the ATSAT. I've taken a tour of the TRACON center here at MCO and I loved it. I'd like to stay somewhere in FL or at least on the east coast, but I don't know how much choice I'd even have in the matter. Any help or advice would be greatly appriciated. Sorry about the long email.

-MT
 
RUN!! RUN FAST AND FAR!!!


(haha, that said...)

Um, well, considering you're not CTI then yes, OTS is the only option. Simply put, submit your resume'. The FAA is in desperate need for controllers right now. They just 'countered' with a new contract offer --- it basically was a slap in the face. Some consider it a step forward but check out faafollies.com and John Carrs website if you want more indepth info on the details.

We just past the first of the year...controllers resigned in what some consider a 'mass exodus.' If you were eligible it was the prime time. The moral sucks. Being a developmental and being trained by people that are, weeeell, slightly disgruntled, is not fun. Not fun at all. Matter of fact, at my facility we initially had about 15 newbies, half that remain. Several have confided they've had enough.

I'm sorry if this is negative and a 'downer,' but it's a long and tough road. Rewarding? Probably. But just know that there is a lot of subjectivity to checking out. If I could do again, I'd only choose terminal. Check out time is often times less than half, and you might even get to see daylight!!

Once again, simply submit your resume'. Get it in the system. But seriously consider whether or not you want to do this job and ride the uncertain wave of what is other wise know as 'checking out.'

Best of luck.
 
Check out - http://www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunities/airtraffic_controllers/

I know very little about the current hiring process, I pick up some info from the new people coming in. Most if not all are CTI's or former military (VRA). I think for the OTS you have to look for a job announcement in your area from the FAA.

Found this on the FAA website:

Air Traffic Control Specialist Position Openings

Coming Soon... FAA will accept applications from the general public for locations throughout the United States.
Currently, accepting applications from individuals with air traffic experience who are eligible for appointment under the Veteran’s Readjustment Appointment authority and who have been discharged from active duty or who are on terminal leave:
Locations throughout the United States http://jobs.faa.gov/asap_detail.asp?vac_id=101057
http://jobs.faa.gov/asap_detail.asp?vac_id=101039
 
Wait for States to post applications at www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunites/airtraffic_controllers/openings. It may take a while for Florida to post. The first application is the longest. You will need to create an account that consist of all your personal info. After that...smooth sailing. You could probably get a head start on creating an account. Go to faa.gov, open "job" link at top right. Click on "application forms" link. Click "online apps" left center. Scroll down hit "ASAP" link and bam. Good luck!
 
Beehive said:
Wait for States to post applications at www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunites/airtraffic_controllers/openings. It may take a while for Florida to post. The first application is the longest. You will need to create an account that consist of all your personal info. After that...smooth sailing. You could probably get a head start on creating an account. Go to faa.gov, open "job" link at top right. Click on "application forms" link. Click "online apps" left center. Scroll down hit "ASAP" link and bam. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've been looking and looking and waiting for them to post something. I can't get a straight answer out of the FAA Aviation Careers office though on when they'll be doing that.
 
I e-mailed the FAA about general public ATC postings and it took them over a month to reply, but Spring 2008 is the estimate they gave me just a week or two ago for future ATC general public postings.

I applied to a general public posting (for here in South Carolina) in late July 2007 and last week (January 3, 2008) I was notified for the first time through ASAP that I would be contacted in the coming weeks about scheduling the AT-SAT.

Does anyone know how far in advance they schedule the AT-SAT test? I really want to get into ATC work as soon as possible, but this is still the federal government so who knows.

Does anyone know what the odds are that if I pass (qualified or well-qualified) how soon I would get an appointment to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for training and also what type of training schedule during the year do they have? I already have a BS degree and 4yrs working experience (although it is in information technology) so I hope that helps.
 
I was notified about the ATSAT on 8/11/07. Test dates released 11/9/07. Took ATSAT 12/3/07. Took ATSAT for Connecticut, but your score applies to all applications. A "team" in OKC decides where they want you considering your application(s).
I believe your education and work experience, along with amount of responsibilities gets you farther than others without it. With that wrote...I have never attended college and scored high 90's on ATSAT. Not bad for an average yup!
Studying helps. Good luck! Go Game Cocks!
 
I saw in another post of yours that you are considering an offer from Michigan. That came pretty quick after taking the test on 12/3/07, but don't you now have to at least go to the FAA Academy before working at a terminal?

Sounds like you are 3 months ahead of me right now. I'm going to study as much as I can so I can score well. Any tips on what really helps to prepare for? I have been reading the book and will be going through the questions soon:

Air traffic control career prep : a comprehensive guide to one of the best-paying federal government careers, including test preparation for the initial air traffic control exams by Patrick R. Mattson

There is a lot of good info in there (at least from someone who hasn't taken the test yet).
 
SQuirell88 said:
I saw in another post of yours that you are considering an offer from Michigan. That came pretty quick after taking the test on 12/3/07, but don't you now have to at least go to the FAA Academy before working at a terminal?

Sounds like you are 3 months ahead of me right now. I'm going to study as much as I can so I can score well. Any tips on what really helps to prepare for? I have been reading the book and will be going through the questions soon:

Air traffic control career prep : a comprehensive guide to one of the best-paying federal government careers, including test preparation for the initial air traffic control exams by Patrick R. Mattson

There is a lot of good info in there (at least from someone who hasn't taken the test yet).
Click to expand...

If Im right, after you get your score, you get a tentative offer from whatever Center or TRACON needs you, then if you accept it, you go off to the academy in OKC, and once you're done there, you start your training at whatever facility you're going to.
 
Air Traffic Control Career Prep- that's the book I read and studied. The computer program that came with it is great, but a little different than the actual ATSAT.
Scenarios- Is much slower and easier. The radar screen changes every 7 seconds! Send the landing planes in at "Fast" until the last possible screen change. Your score will be better. Keep planes away from border too.
Analogies- Objects are far more greatly detailed making it harder and more time consuming.
Letter Factory- Actual screen is on page 69 of the book. All the letters will be able to fit in the boxes. Sample question- "If all the letters on the conveyer went in to their box, what boxes would remain unfilled?" No questions about QC or number of times ordered boxes.
Scan- Slower and easier. Practice ten key.
Dials- Actual screen is on page 89 of the book.
This info is considering your program is the same as mine and I don't know why it wouldn't be. My Analogies would quickly skip to the next question often. Radar was fast as hell making(a lot of) seperation errors inevidible. Scan was also fast making it impossible to ID all numbers in the range.
Take the breaks they give you, even if its for a short amount of time. Do some strech's, jumping jacks, deep breaths. I took most the break time and finished in about six hours.
 
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