Expert: Dacus T. Grant - 10/14/2009

Question
Hi. I wish to an airline pilot (female) or air traffic controller, and I'm graduating from pre-university education end of this year, will be obtaining the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

What are the ways to become air traffic controllers? to enter universities (example Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)? Must I obtain a degree in air traffic control before I get into the (example) FAA trainee ATC? I hope to know the pros and cons for any possible paths to become an ATC in terms of future career development and expected salary, cost of studies etc

I'm a Malaysian and Singapore PR, and mostly likely to wish to work in any possible places in USA, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand or Singapore. I have very restricted financial background and do you have some suggestion on the possible scholarships or awards/bursaries for me in order to pursue this dream?

Furthermore, to become an ATC, do the airlines exercise preferences on applicants who have studied in university or any flight schools within ITS OWN COUNTRY, or have undergone the trainee ATC under its airlines itself (to be eligible for trainee, must I have a degree in ATC, or simply up to pre-university education such as International Baccalaureate Diploma), or any others (if there is, what are them?)?

In addition, I have unfortunately myopia -4.0 (or -4.5) for each eye, do you recommend me to undergo LASIK or wear lenses for my career path? Will the schools or airlines have preferences on LASIK or lenses for the myopia applicants? If possible, I wish to know more about LASIK's pros and cons within this aviation scope?

Thanks.

Answer
To become a ATC you must be an american citizen.  Go to the FAA website and search under JOBS and follow the links.  Airlines do not hire Air traffic controllers they are hired by the US gov't.
ATC applicants must pass a physical with 20/20 corrected vision.

Good luck.

Dacus