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)
I am currently a Freshman at my college, planning to get a 4-5 years degree with a major in Aviation Operations. I do not wish to fly but I am interested in careers that are ground-based.
The only career I can think of is Air Traffic Controller, but to become an ATC, you only need to complete a 2-years CTI course and apply. As I've stated, I'm going for a 4-5 years, what other careers can be obtained with my degree?
Also, once I complete my 4-5 years & obtain a degree, do I still need to complete a CTI-program in order to qualify for an ATC position?
Hope you can provide me with some guidance, for my major adviser isn't so awesome...
Thanks!
ANSWER: Dear Thomas,
No you do not have to have the CTI school to be hired by the FAA. Currently there is bid open for CTI graduates on the FAA jobs website. However, they do occasionally hire off of the street. Got to the FAA website and look under jobs. Look for a bid for "All Sources". Currently there are about 4 for all sources, but they have limitations. Some are VRA, MRA, CTI, and CTO. If you are not a disables veteran, a military controller, a CTI graduate, or have you Control operators license these do not apply to you. I have been watching for an off the street all sources bid but I haven't seen one lately. I would check the FAA jobs website at least once a week. When they open it up to off to the street a lot of people will apply. Bear in mind that regardless of how you get hired you must take and pass the ATSAT. This applies to everyone, CTI, VRA, MRA, CTO and off of the street.
I hope this helps.
Good luck.
Dacus Grant
Supervisory Air Traffic Controller (Retired)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the info, now I don't have to worry about taking another two extra years of CTI school.
I'm kind of interested in the NTSB as well... but in order to be an investigator you need flight experience.
So that leads me to the second question, what are other possible careers (aside from being a Pilot or ATC) are there?
Hope I'm not a bother, thanks.
Answer Dear Thomas,
I am afraid that I cannot help you there. I was an air traffic controller and that was it. Other than some kind of airport management, I really don't know. Wish I could help but I am out of my league here.
