Expert: Dacus T. Grant - 6/24/2004

Question
Good afternoon Sir,

Knowing what you know now about being an ATCS, which part of the job would you suggest a person apply for?  Working in the Terminal Tower, En Route, or Flight Service Station Controller?  I read about qualification requirements on www.faa.gov, but I am still confused.  It says 3 years work experience, a bachelor's degree, or combination of both.  I didn't quite understand what the combination of both mean.  Do you need both 3 years experience and 4 years of college?  Thank you for your time.

Rich Wile

Answer
Dear Richard,
    Sorry about the delay, evidently I didn't get your question.  I would suggest Terminal or En Route.  At the FSS you don't have any separation responsibility.  I have always been En Route so that is what I know so obviously that would be my first choice.  However, Terminal can be just as interesting and it tends to give you a lot more options on where you can work.  Their are 22 Centers and about 400 towers.  The pay in the Centers and the busier Terminals is the highest.  I haven't been to the FAA page lately, however it was my understanding that you had to have a degree in order to get hired.  I'm not sure if a 2 year or a 4 year degee is required.  Call your nearest FAA facility and ask to speak to the Personnel Specialist.  They should be able to help you.  I believe that a 4 year degree meets the education and work experience requirement.  

I hope this helps.

Dacus Grant
Dacus@iwon.com