ATC Internship Question

Danny555

Well-Known Member
Hi, first post, new acount.

I am a 16 year old who is currently in 10th grade (High School). I live in Puerto Rico and my nearest major airport is Luiz Muñoz Marin International Airport, San Juan (SJU).

I have always been very interested and aspired to be an Air Traffic Controller. I already know in which University I will do my AT-CTI (4 year) although I am very aware that its not helpful (I have read ALOT online). I was wondering if I am able to join a Summer AT-CTI Internship program or the Volunteer Program in my local airport (SJU). I am an A student and currently study at a private full-english highschool.

I have read around here that some people have actually done the Internship at ATC while being in highschool, how does it work? This kind of information I can't find anywhere else so here I am :)

If its not possible, is there anything I can do from my early age to start gaining experience and knowledge for a future job as ATC?

If more information is needed for a better answer just let me know
 
Last edited:
Hi, first post, new acount.

I am a 16 year old who is currently in 10th grade (High School). I live in Puerto Rico and my nearest major airport is Luiz Muñoz Marin International Airport, San Juan (SJU).

I have always been very interested and aspired to be an Air Traffic Controller. I already know in which University I will do my AT-CTI (4 year) although I am very aware that its not helpful (I have read ALOT online). I was wondering if I am able to join a Summer AT-CTI Internship program or the Volunteer Program in my local airport (SJU). I am an A student and currently study at a private full-english highschool.

I have read around here that some people have actually done the Internship at ATC while being in highschool, how does it work? This kind of information I can't find anywhere else so here I am :)

If its not possible, is there anything I can do from my early age to start gaining experience and knowledge for a future job as ATC?

If more information is needed for a better answer just let me know

Grab a mami and snuggle up while reading the .65. In all seriousness the CTI is a raw deal. I am one of only a couple guys at my facility with a bachelor's degree. It's good to have a backup plan if you don't get hired, but a CTI degree will not help you much on the street. See if you can get a summer job at the airport slinging bags or working for the FBO. My previous aviation experiences have helped me a lot more than my CTI degree. Sounds like you know what you want to do, but don't forget to enjoy being 16.
 
Do yourself a favor and major in something other than CTI or even aviation. Use that as a fall back should ATC not work out for some reason. CTI won't help you get hired or be a better controller and to be frank is pretty much a useless waste of money now.
 
I second what the other guys said. Get a job at the airport, line tech or whatever. Don't go to a university to get a CTI degree. If you want one that badly, go to a community college and get it there while getting a major in something else. It is much cheaper. No one knows if the FAA will go back to the CTI program, so I am not saying don't get it. Specially at 16, you have 14 more years you can get hired, a lot can change. Just saying, spend the money on a backup bachelor degree.

Source: CTI grad wishing I had a backup bachelor degree.
 
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