U.S.A. ATC: career advice would be much appreciated!

[Northbeach]

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

[rodan]

Hi Northbeach,

FAA controllers tend not to frequent these pages, you're probably more likely to find the information you seek on the forums at stuckmic.com (http://www.stuckmic.com/).

All the best.

[Northbeach]

The same question has now been posted at Stuckmic.com. Thank you for the link, I was not aware of the forum.

[Frostie]

Northbeach,

I'll try to answer your questions, based on my experience.

What personality traits are important to succeeding in the ATC specialist’s job?

All types. I participated in a class where we took the Myers-Briggs personality test and we were all over the chart. Usually they are type A personalities though.

How sedentary is the work environment?

If you are in front of a radar, you're not moving. Tower would be different.

How long is a scheduled work day?

8 hours, unless there is holdover overtime. Not to exceed 10 hrs/ day, 6 days a week. total 60 hours max. 8 or 9 hours between shifts.

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?

It's a team sport.

How routine is the job; is there much variety between days, or is one day just like the next?

It's like flying. You can go from routine & boring to chaos in a moments notice.

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?

In my opinion, those that failed to certify usually failed to learn from their mistakes. Or they had a poor attitude toward instruction. If someone had a great attitude, most will go to great lengths to help that person succeed.


How about "burn out", what are the leading reasons given for career burn out (if any).

Working too many shifts short-handed. Too much overtime. The money is nice, but it wears you out.

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?

The fact that after 25 years you can retire. I would do it again.

What do you like best about the job?

Talking to airplanes. What goes on behind me when I am plugged in is what irritates me.

Your answers will help me provide guidance to help our recent High School graduate decide whether or not to pursue this career.

It seems that the CTI schools are from where the FAA is drawing applicants. Starting out in the military is another option.

It is a great job with great pay. BUT, you will not see a weekend day (Sat or Sun) off for maybe 20 years. You will work most if not all holidays for most of your career. You will not have a "normal" social life. Your spouse and family will eat many dinners without you. You will miss football, soccer, and other activities of your children. It is a huge sacrifice.

[DVC-ATC]

I will give you my opinion as well. I agree with what has been said already.

What personality traits are important to succeeding in the ATC specialist’s job?
Type A is typical, but I've seen all types of personalities be successful. Obviously attention to detail and keen observation skills are important.
How sedentary is the work environment?
Depends...in the Center, we sit all the time for our jobs.
How long is a scheduled work day?
As stated previously, 8 hours. 10 hours is the max allowed by law. 8 hour break required between shifts, but typical shifts in my experience are two eves, two days and a third day or a midnight shift.
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?
A lot of interaction between co-workers. As stated, definitely a team sport.
How routine is the job; is there much variety between days, or is one day just like the next?
Flights operate on schedules, so many days turn out similar to another. Weather, military, and special events change the mix so you get a wide variety between your average day.
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?
ATC isn't for everyone. Some people get into the job merely for the money and benefits, but hate the job because it just doesn't match up with their personality. They are not comfortable with the adrenaline rush, don't like the pressure to make so many decisions. The other type that doesn't do well is the person that doesn't take the job seriously, doesn't study or put in the extra effort, doesn't ask questions. They don't do very well as a rule.
How about "burn out", what are the leading reasons given for career burn out (if any). In facilities where overtime is routine, it causes burnout in a hurry.

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? Not sure what I wish I had known, but I would definitely do it again. For me its like being a pro athlete...you do this awesome job and they actually pay you for it!

What do you like best about the job?
Satisfaction of a job well done. The rush from a busy session.
Your answers will help me provide guidance to help our recent High School graduate decide whether or not to pursue this career.

Visit facilities, talk to people, see if someone will let him spend a few days shadowing them in a facility. Only time will tell.