I’m interested in a career as an ATC. So many questions. Not sure where to begin.

I’m interested in a career as an ATC. So many questions. Not sure where to begin.

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I’m currently a State Trooper and have a Bachelors degree in Political Science with a heavy focus in math and statistics. I’ve heard this career is extremely hard to get accepted into. Is this true? What’s the possibility of getting into an ATC career with my background? I’m used to high stress, talks on the radio under stress, and have to make decisions on the fly. In my career it’s a constant stress on me and my family to not know whether I would make it home at the end of the day.

I am interested in this career for a few different reasons. I feel just from listening and reading other ATC’s perspectives that my interests in the career line up. If I were to apply in the next hiring window, what does the process look like? I would prefer my employer to not know about me applying to another career until I knew I had the job for sure.

Also, is there anywhere I can go to learn the lingo and such? I’ve learned a lot from just reading posts on Reddit. Didn’t know if there was something else I could do to learn. Also, any ideas on if I could shadow an ATC for a shift just to observe and not get in the way?



5 thoughts on “I’m interested in a career as an ATC. So many questions. Not sure where to begin.

  1. You juuuuust missed a job opening. There should be another one later in the year or early next year. The process is self explanatory, just follow the instructions and jump through the hoops. Be honest on your application.

    I would suggest listening to liveatc.net, and picking a large airport or approach control. That way you can start to hear the lingo.

    You may be able to tour a facility near you based on the COVID numbers. Find a phone number and give them a call. I don’t think they would allow a job shadow, but a tour will get you inside.

  2. How old are you? That age cut off is 30. Very unlikely you can shadow another ATC. No prior experience required. Seems like you meet the minimum qualifications. It’s a long process to get in and you just missed a hiring opening so you will have to wait another year to apply. Good luck.

      1. What school did you go to? Do you think it’s worth it? (I’m very interested in this career path)

  3. Do not go to school for ATC. The benefit is minimal, the cost is high. Just apply off the street and get a degree that will help you if you don’t make it into ATC.

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