American vs Australian ATC Career

[JezAve]

So recently I have heavily been researching a career as an Air Traffic Controller and I’m trying to weigh up my options as I feel like I would love the job.

I currently live in Australia, am 24 years old and have a degree in aerospace engineering. The thing is, I have a dual citizenship between USA and AUS as I was born in the states and I would love to move back to America at some point in my life. I understand the FAA has an age limit for ATC recruits of 31yo.

I’m tossed up about whether I should apply to be an ATC in the USA or here in Australia.

I was just wanting to know if anyone has any recommendations or insights that may lead to swaying me one way or the other. Are there any major differences between working for ASA vs FAA or perhaps things to look out for? What would you do?

[le Pingouin]

I've only ever controlled in Aus so can't comment on working US ATC. Personally I'd be considering the FAA first due to the age limit (note that it's 30 or under) and you can't transfer Aus ATC experience to the US. If you did try here first you'd be unlikely to have a rating within the next three years (waiting for applications to open again + application process + course + on the job training) so call your age 27-28 by then, and you'd have to leave for the US to do it all again within a year or two. Not sure if there's a bond or similar any more with ASA.

ASA has had experienced foreign controller intakes from time to time, although who knows if that's a future option. Otherwise you'd have to do the full ab initio course if you wanted to work here after the FAA, along with the pay drop to trainee. But at least that option would likely be open to you, unlike if you started here and wanted to move to the US after 10 years or whatever - you'd be looking for a new career.

Then there's the spouse, mortgage and 1.8 kids you'll have in 15 years time ;)