Hi everyone,
I haven't seen this topic before, so thought it may be an interesting discussion. Hope it doesn't start a war though
I recently read a post in the ATC forum stating "you are better off becoming a pilot, it is easier than ATC". I'm not sure what this statement was based on.
I believe the testing is harder to pass to be an ATC, having sat tests for both ASA and QF. Although I also believe the commitment required to be an airline pilot exceeds that of an ATC. I know the training for ATC is challenging and requires commitment however.
I think the challenge of ATC and flying is quite comparable. I know of regional airline pilots who were once ATCs, and wannabee ATCs who have CPLs and some ex airline captains. I'm trying to be objective as I have a CPL and am interested in ATC.
Many people spend $40K for their training, find the going too tough and waste all that money and time for nothing. Is all the crap you have to go through to be a pilot really worth it? Why do it when you can try for ATC and earn a very good salary (I believe ATCs earn more than pilots except QF captains and some FOs) and have a comparably challenging job. You could indulge in your enjoyment for flying anytime by simply hiring an aircraft.
So, the big quesion: Would you rather be a pilot or an ATC, given all the pros and cons of each? I know it is hard to be objective, and I'm not taking sides of either, just wondering about your opinion.
Bye for now.
