AboutDacus T. Grant Expertise Air Traffic Controller careers. I am an Air Traffic Controller at Atlanta ARTCC. I will be able to answer questions concerning Air Traffic Controller qualifications, Job satisfaction, Job Requirements, En Route Job locations, Training requirements, working conditions, etc. 21 years as an Air Traffic Controller at Memphis and Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC)
Question Hello my name is Juliana, I just graduated from high school and I would like to pursuit a career in the aviation field; this including air traffic controller, pilot or flight attendant. With all do respects I would like to know any information that can be provided including any advises, training, schools, also information on scholarships and internships. My priority is to know if there are any classes that I can take now in college, any 2 year degree that I can acquire to have the opportunity to work with. How was your experience working as an air traffic controller? Did your work allow you to have a family; was it challenging for you to maintain your marriage/kids? How is a normal daily routine in your life? How were the stressful days? Is there a positive outlook for the future? Does it offer equal opportunities for both genders, especially for women?
I will be eager to hear from you, thank you.
Juliana.
Answer Hi Juliana,
Sorry about the delay. I don't know anything about pilot or flight attendant training. I can tell you about air traffic controllers. The FAA has a web page that will explain the requirements to become an air traffic controller, you can look at these. I know nothing about scholarships or internships. A number of schools offer the CTI program which is air traffic controller training. The schools change but you can find the current listings on the FAA website. One thing to remember is that whether or not you go to a CTI school and get a degree in air traffic control, you still have to take and pass the ATSAT.
I enjoyed being an air traffic controller, I think that it is one of the best jobs in the world. The days and the shifts that you work can have a detrimental effect on social relationships. This is because most junior controllers have to work nights and weekends. My typical week was Thursday-4 pm, Friday 1 pm, Saturday 11 am, Sunday 6 am, and Monday 6 am. As you can see Friday/Saturday social life is pretty much out of the question and Sunday church attendance is gone also. But, you learn to work around the odd shifts. You can go out during the week when things are less crowded. Some people find the job stressful, but I did not, I don't know why. The FAA is an equal opportunity employer and the federal government takes discrimination very seriously.
I am retired now(June 1st) and for the last 4 years I have been a supervisor at the Atlanta Air Traffic Control Center. As a supervisor I enjoyed working with the people, but I miss being an air traffic controller most of all.
The FAA website is https://www.faa.gov/, and the FAA employees website is https://employees.faa.gov/. Both provide links to FAA jobs and job requirements. The code classification for air traffic controllers is 2152. When you search for a job opening look for this code and "All Sources".
I hope this help.
