U.S.A. ATC: career advice would be much appreciated!
Several months ago I met an ATC specialist who introduced themselves to us (flight crew) on one of my trips. We talked about the ATC specialists job here in the United States. I was impressed by the level of satisfaction and enthusiasm this individual showed for their job. When I received a detailed explanation of the compensation package I was even more impressed.
Later on this week I will be touring a U.S.A. FAA Center facility, facilitated by this same ATC specialist I met several months ago. I will be taking one of my children (recently graduated High School and currently enrolled in College) on this tour. Also we will be looking at a nearby University that offers a two year course of study leading into an entry point for acceptance into the FAA’s Oklahoma City Academy for further training and evaluation.
I have 30+ years as a pilot working in many aspects of civilian aviation to include: Part 91 Flight Instruction, Part 135 on demand charter, a Fortune 500 company’s corporate aviation department, Part 121 Cargo as well as passenger service. I have instructed at the airline level, done a little airline dispatching and I am a licensed A&P mechanic. I have a fairly solid understanding of the “industry”. My questions are regarding the ATC side of the equation.
What personality traits are important to succeeding in the ATC specialist’s job?
How sedentary is the work environment?
How long is a scheduled work day?
How much interaction is there with co-workers? Is going to work a social experience or are you left alone to interface with transponder readouts?
How routine is the job; is there much variety between days, or is one day just like the next?
For people who get into the job and hate it and end up leaving, being terminated, or do poorly at it are there any common denominators?
How about "burn out", what are the leading reasons given for career burn out (if any).
If you were back in your late teens early 20s what do you wish you had known about working for the FAA? And, if you had it to do over would you become a controller?
What do you like best about the job?
Your answers will help me provide guidance to help our recent High School graduate decide whether or not to pursue this career.
Respectfully,
Northbeach
Last edited by Northbeach; 9th Nov 2011 at 05:00.