Comments on: I’m interested in a career as an ATC. So many questions. Not sure where to begin. https://air-traffic-control.com/travels/i-m-interested-in-a-career-as-an-atc-so-many-questions-not-sure-where-to-begin/ All about air traffic, planes and travels Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:34:21 +0000 hourly 1 By: Mary https://air-traffic-control.com/travels/i-m-interested-in-a-career-as-an-atc-so-many-questions-not-sure-where-to-begin/#comment-83 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:00:33 +0000 http://air-traffic-control.com/travels/?p=31#comment-83 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.

]]> By: viverine https://air-traffic-control.com/travels/i-m-interested-in-a-career-as-an-atc-so-many-questions-not-sure-where-to-begin/#comment-82 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:00:15 +0000 http://air-traffic-control.com/travels/?p=31#comment-82 In reply to author.

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

]]> By: author https://air-traffic-control.com/travels/i-m-interested-in-a-career-as-an-atc-so-many-questions-not-sure-where-to-begin/#comment-81 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 08:59:45 +0000 http://air-traffic-control.com/travels/?p=31#comment-81 In reply to jagdmackay.

For sure. I applied three times and I even went to college for ATC.

]]> By: jagdmackay https://air-traffic-control.com/travels/i-m-interested-in-a-career-as-an-atc-so-many-questions-not-sure-where-to-begin/#comment-15 Sat, 09 Jul 2022 17:38:08 +0000 http://air-traffic-control.com/travels/?p=31#comment-15 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.

]]> By: stillcantshoot https://air-traffic-control.com/travels/i-m-interested-in-a-career-as-an-atc-so-many-questions-not-sure-where-to-begin/#comment-14 Sat, 09 Jul 2022 17:37:14 +0000 http://air-traffic-control.com/travels/?p=31#comment-14 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.

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