Hey Guys,
I am just very recently considering ATC as a career option and have no idea where to start. I was wondering if someone could help me out and tell me how likely I am to get hired.
I'm 25 years old with a B.S. degree in engineering summa cum laude. I have 4 years work experience between two companies as an electrical engineer (one of which was Northrop Grumman, the other current one is non-aviation). I have a PPL (SEL) with 60 hrs. TT. I have a third class medical with glasses required. I cannot get a first class medical without a monocular vision wavier (I have a lazy right eye with 20/40 best corrected vision). For this, and other financial reasons, I am abandoning the pilot option.
First question, am I medically qualified to become an ATC?
Second question, given my background, what is the best of the three routes for me to go? I am currently employeed, and don't want to give up that employment until I've got something in the bag. Since I already have a B.S., does that mean I can't go back to another college for AT-CTI? I looked on the FAA website, and the only trainee slots open are for AT-CTI grads. How does a non-AT-CTI grad get a trainee slot? I would prefer to avoid military unless it is my only option (am I too old or not qualified for military)?
Third question, what is the application process? Where do I start?
Last questions, where can I find out more info about the life of ATCs, the career track, the career options, and the timeline it takes to go through training?
ATC looks like a great career and it looks like it would fit my personality very well (better than pilot or engineer anyway). If anyone can give any advice on how to start, it would be greatly appreciated. I was planning to start medical school in the fall (can you tell that I am trying to switch careers?), but given my love of aviation, I really don't think I can be a doctor, and I am interested in investigating this field and determining as quickly as possible if it would be viable and/or a recommended career for someone like me.
TIA!
I am just very recently considering ATC as a career option and have no idea where to start. I was wondering if someone could help me out and tell me how likely I am to get hired.
I'm 25 years old with a B.S. degree in engineering summa cum laude. I have 4 years work experience between two companies as an electrical engineer (one of which was Northrop Grumman, the other current one is non-aviation). I have a PPL (SEL) with 60 hrs. TT. I have a third class medical with glasses required. I cannot get a first class medical without a monocular vision wavier (I have a lazy right eye with 20/40 best corrected vision). For this, and other financial reasons, I am abandoning the pilot option.
First question, am I medically qualified to become an ATC?
Second question, given my background, what is the best of the three routes for me to go? I am currently employeed, and don't want to give up that employment until I've got something in the bag. Since I already have a B.S., does that mean I can't go back to another college for AT-CTI? I looked on the FAA website, and the only trainee slots open are for AT-CTI grads. How does a non-AT-CTI grad get a trainee slot? I would prefer to avoid military unless it is my only option (am I too old or not qualified for military)?
Third question, what is the application process? Where do I start?
Last questions, where can I find out more info about the life of ATCs, the career track, the career options, and the timeline it takes to go through training?
ATC looks like a great career and it looks like it would fit my personality very well (better than pilot or engineer anyway). If anyone can give any advice on how to start, it would be greatly appreciated. I was planning to start medical school in the fall (can you tell that I am trying to switch careers?), but given my love of aviation, I really don't think I can be a doctor, and I am interested in investigating this field and determining as quickly as possible if it would be viable and/or a recommended career for someone like me.
TIA!