Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying process

[Melissa2983298]

Hello,

I was wondering if someone could answer a question for me? I am currently a student in college, who is going to be finishing my degree (Mechanical Engineering) in the next couple of years. I am a Private Pilot, and I will have my Instrument, Commercial and Instructor ratings (hopefully) by the time I finish college. I am also getting my tailwheel sign off over the summer.

I have always wanted to be an ATC, so I was wondering if someone could tell me how you apply/get accepted for the training program? I was looking on the website, and they have openings for "Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Specialist)". Is that what I would apply for to start out or is that not the correct position to "work my way up" so to speak?

Thanks!

 

[Z06_Mir]

Re: Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying pro

You actually just missed the hiring window. I applied and deemed not eligible by the little test they have at the end. Only about 1 in 1000 passed that test, rumor has it there was an error in the processing but who knows. Your best bet is to wait for the next hiring window and apply then and hope for the best, or join the military and hope to be a controller.

 

[Melissa2983298]

Re: Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying pro

You actually just missed the hiring window. I applied and deemed not eligible by the little test they have at the end. Only about 1 in 1000 passed that test, rumor has it there was an error in the processing but who knows. Your best bet is to wait for the next hiring window and apply then and hope for the best, or join the military and hope to be a controller.

I'm very sorry to hear about the test! I've heard there have been problems with it as well.

If you don't mind me asking, how did you get into the training program? Did they post somewhere they were looking for prospective controller applicants and you applied that way?

 

[JB1842]

Re: Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying pro

www.usajobs.com

And I second the military, even if it's the Reserves. The Veteran's Preference Points alone can make the difference of making the cut or not.

 

[Velocity173]

Re: Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying pro

http://www.pilotsofamerica.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68372&highlight=ATC

This is the link to the announcement that Mark (resident controller) provided. From what I've heard, very few people got picked up.

You could do military but since you've already got a good start on college, I'd just go to one of these AT-CTI schools (UND, Embry Riddle, Middle Georgia College) and apply to the FAA after that.

I know a bunch of guys in the military who didn't get picked up on this last hiring notice. No way of telling if the civilian or military route would be the best at getting hired. At the facility my brother works at, he said it's basically 50/50 on either former military or AT-CTI applicants. They even have a few that had no prior experience at all.

 

[murphey]

Re: Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying pro

If you go the AT-CTI school route, you also have the option of contract ATC (e.g. SERCO). One advantage is the opportunity to work outside the US. SERCO has contracts in the mid-east, UK, Canada, Pacific Rim.

http://www.serco-na.com/focus-areas/aviation

Colorado has 3 SERCO towers, that's the only reason I know anything about them.

 

[Velocity173]

Re: Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying pro

If you go the AT-CTI school route, you also have the option of contract ATC (e.g. SERCO). One advantage is the opportunity to work outside the US. SERCO has contracts in the mid-east, UK, Canada, Pacific Rim.

http://www.serco-na.com/focus-areas/aviation

Colorado has 3 SERCO towers, that's the only reason I know anything about them.

She could go the military route and do the contract thing as well. Also, not all the AT-CTI programs offer a CTO training course.

 

[MarkZ]

Last I heard, controllers who resigned and re-applied through the hiring bid also failed to qualify. I'm not sure what those qualifications may be, but I doubt my ability to pass their "test."

Get your ME degree. Keep an eye out on the USAJOBS website for another bid. If the numbers were as dismal as they sound, a new hiring frenzy should be up shortly.

I know the minimum qualifications for the job were a four year college degree, or equitable full time work experience. Since the FAA likes to change requirements often I can't tell you if that is still accurate.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[JB1842]

Re: Question for Air Traffic Controllers or those knowledgeable with the applying pro

You actually just missed the hiring window. I applied and deemed not eligible by the little test they have at the end. Only about 1 in 1000 passed that test, rumor has it there was an error in the processing but who knows. Your best bet is to wait for the next hiring window and apply then and hope for the best, or join the military and hope to be a controller.

What is this test? I talked to my brother today. He applied. I asked him and he said he didn't have a test. He also said he wasn't rejected right away.

 

[MarkZ]

What is this test? I talked to my brother today. He applied. I asked him and he said he didn't have a test. He also said he wasn't rejected right away.

It used to be the AT-SAT, don't ask me what that stands for. I think they still use it.

Now, I've heard there was an additional test during the application process. Apparently, the new test gauges an applicant's mental capacity for the job. Or something. I find out more accurate information from peeps like Z06 than our own HR department.

Ask any controller, they'll tell you. A college degree, a CTI school, a test, does not a controller make. You either "get the flick" or you don't.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk