Expert: Dacus T. Grant - 3/24/2011

Question
Hello my name is Willie Smith, and I am really considering going to ERAU to enroll into the air traffic controll program but I was told that you can take the test as a civilan.  Can you tell me if there is a test upcoming in Atlanta, GA or the next test location near Atlanta and the different dates they may have coming up for 2011.

Answer
Hi Willie,  
    Yes you can take the test as a civilian, however the FAA must have an "Off the Street" bid opening.  I have not seen one of these in a couple of years.  My son took the test as a civilian a couple of years ago and was hired at Jacksonville Center.  Go to the FAA website, www.faa.gov and look under the Jobs tab.  Select non-faa employees and enter code 2152 as the job code.  It will show you the current opening for air traffic controller hiring.  I just looked and the only one I saw was for CTI school completion for those that already have their CTO license.  
  If you want to be a controller, I suggest the you go the CTI school and get your CTO license and then apply.  You will take the ATSAT while you are in school.

Good Luck,

Dacus Grant
dacus@iwon.com

P.s. Where in Atlanta do you live?