Apply to be an Air traffic controller. I made this thread last year, and I'm gonna keep the same info on it, just making a new thread.
The 2023 application window is open May 5-8, 2023.
www.faa.gov
MAY 5-8th!! This is when you can apply
^^This is a good website to get started on what the hiring process generally looks like, and what you can expect
Really this is the reason I joined this site. I'm basically one of like 2 black men/women in my building. This career needs more young black men.... Plus y'all can help me with my breaks and seniority lol
What is Air Traffic control?
Basically these are the people who are either in a tower, or a government building that talk to planes/pilots and give them clearances for takeoff.. clear them to land.. move them around weather.. basically make sure that everyone in the sky doesn't hit one another.
How much can I make with ATC?
Generally even a low level tower (think of a tiny airport near you) will make 100k+ with overtime and different differentials. But the real $$ is going to be made at either a bigger tower aka bigger airport... or with a Tracon or Center. These are the locations that cover all the other airspace in the US around the bigger airports. Think of when you're flying above the clouds 30,000 ft above the air, these are the people who are talking to the commercial airlines or even the GA pilots that take off from middle of now where airports. Once you are done with training, you will make 160k+ with increases in pay yearly. However even "halfway" done with training you are still making 100k+ a year because you have ratings and big raises as you progress through training.
What do I gotta do in order to get hired?
You have to input your resume on USAJobs.. and find the announcement when the days happen. To find an announcement, search for job series "2152", and make sure U.S. Citizens is marked in the "who may apply box". The job title is Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee, and the announcement number will be something like "FAA-ATO-16-ALLSRCE-49075". Note the "ALLSRCE", this indicates the "no experience" bid. The FAA also announces its internal bids on usajobs; if you SEE these, they are not hiring announcements for NEW hires.
What qualifications do I need?
You need to either have a 4 year degree.. a 2 year degree with 1-2 years full time work experience.. or 3 years full time work experience. You also need to be UNDER 31 YEARS OLD.
What happens after I apply?
You will wait for an email and set up a time for a test that you need to pass in order to get to the next step.. in this test there is basically a bunch of "games" and math problems that you need to do well on. Things like "separating multiple dots on a screen while also doing math problems".. and "memorizing 10 sets of numbers in order", etc. etc.
If you score high enough.. you then get an offer letter to go to Oklahoma City for 3-4 months (paid) for the FAA Academy where they teach you how to do the job in a smaller way. This part is actually pretty difficult. Won't sugar coat this part, but generally around 50% of the people who come here don't pass..... HOWEVER from what I've read they've done a much better job of being able to pass people on a more consistent basis, while also being able to pocket 3-4k while you're down there.
Why am I posting this on here?
I work in a Center.. and I'm at the bottom in terms of seniority. So anyone who generally wants to know more. Let me know.. I'll bump this as it gets closer.
I made this thread about a year ago last year, had one of the brahs message that he applied.. took the test.. passed it.. now has his class date to OKC for an center class in April. Dude is probably in Basics right now studying lol. Shout-out
@Spiider
Tower environment:
Enroute environment:
They’re easier to control/manage.
