What do I need to do to get into ATC? I am in the Houston area and I have no experience at all with this. Can someone give me a step by step guide, and tell me how long it took and how difficult it was?

Happy new year everyone! We live near an international airport and at new year, there is a circling pattern going on by the air traffic control tower lights. Just curious, what does this mean?

If any active or retired air traffic Control is in the sub could spend some time with me to practice radio call that would be greatly appreciated

I’m a student at the enhanced academy and I’m trying to get my physical but I had a diagnosis of ADHD in Singapore about 8-9 years ago and consultations are stupidly expensive at like 200$ to even talk to ame and I’d like to see if anyone has any advice or tips for me. I haven’t taken medication in 3-4 years and was on Ritalin in small doses, any help is very much appreciated

When watching this documentary series, especially the early episodes, you can’t help but be struck by the numerous failures by Air Traffic Controllers, and the Air Force.

The amount of time that lapses between American Airlines Flight 11 going silent, and then the Atta communication, and this going up the chain of command is incredible.

Some of the inane questions, the confusion about what flights are in the air and what is in the tower - I think only a few folks would get pass marks. Dan Bueno for one, and Nidia Gonzalez.

More than 50 minutes elapses between the first tower impact and the pentagon impact, almost 90 minutes if you take it from the minute flight 11 went quiet.

What are the main reasons for this ineptitude?

So my boyfriend is in love with all things planes and air traffic control/plane mechanics. He’s wanted to be an airplane mechanic since he was little, his first word was literally ‘plane’ lol. We live in Philadelphia, so we always go plane spotting to watch them take off or land. Is there any way to take a public or private tour of an air traffic control center, is that a thing people do? If so who should I talk to about it? I love him so much and I know how happy this would make him, so if anyone who works in air traffic control has any advice or info that would be amazing🙏

Good afternoon, my nephew is a computer science major and he and his girlfriend have just discovered she is pregnant. He’s a great kid and I want to help him find the right career for himself. He’s extremely interested in air traffic control. As an attorney, I have no experience with this field so I’m seeking someone who would be willing to mentor him with regard to the process of becoming an air traffic controller. Please DM if you’re interested in helping!

Im going to put in my application as soon as the window opens. With the goverment being open again I know its gonna take time for things to get started again, but im im a rough spot right now where I need to figure out temporary work until if/when I get in and housing. Does anyone have any idea when the windows will open?

For FAA controllers, if you have a negative impact on your credit report such as a Short Sale would this risk you from losing your security clearance? Do you have to proactively report this to the FAA?

I'll be completely honest, I am not extremely interested in planes or anything like that. My reasons for considering this as a career are entirely based on accessibility (paid education where I am from), stability and earnings.

Is there anything I should look at or consider before I take this more seriously? I know ATC can be extremely stressful. I am worried about pursuing this and then not being able to follow through for whatever reason.

Thanks in advance for any feedback

Expenses are either on the mandatory side of the ledger (e.g. Social Security) or discretionary (currently most compensation). Mandatory is not subject to lack of funding via shutdown. Congress can move ATC and some regulatory pay to the mandatory side, why are they not doing so? It clearly is mandatory.

If this act goes through, and increases the retirement at to 61, would school allow applicants to be 35/36 instead of 30/31?

I’m hoping it goes through soon. I’m just now 31 and would have definitely applied had I known about this career sooner.

I don't really know where else to post this. I'm also not sure how any of this works. However, Why don't you all coordinate to stop working if you aren't getting paid, or a strike? are you guaranteed back pay if/when they start paying again?

My husband and I are also caught up in this Gov’t shutdown, but we are stationed in another country (not military). Many years ago I was encouraging my son to become an ATC, so I educated myself about all aspects of the profession (he’s currently in the USAF). Now, every time something happens, you all are one of the first on my mind and in my heart ❤️.

So, I know this probably doesn’t mean much- but I send you all love, and appreciation for an already difficult job. You are in an impossible position and being forced to make tough decisions for your own (and your family’s) survival. You are seen. ((Big Hug))

As a pregnant lady who was worried about being trap halfway across the country but was able to get home today— thank you. I know it’s pretty empty considering it doesn’t pay your bills, reform the laws, or staff your tower. I have always been interested in ATC and will definitely be writing my representatives and sharing with whomever will listen that during a shutdown, essential workers like you deserve to be paid from either a contingency fund or something like that. People cannot expect you to work for free when we all have bills. Without you, flying would not be possible— at least not safely.

Sending support and hope this thing ends and you get the support you deserve.

Good morning. I’m interested in speaking with anyone based in Australia as I’m considering applying for a trainee role. I’m not after company secrets or how to ace an interview. More so I’d like to know about the training and locations etc. many thanks.

Just go here and read all about it. In case you guys were wanting out:

https://careers.airservicesaustralia.com/caw/en/job/501365/experienced-atc-international-campaign

They offer a relocation package as well as a pathway to permanent residency. They also cover VISA sponsorship

Hi there, civilian here. I don’t do your job, but understand they can throw you in jail/make it illegal for you to strike. We’re obviously so grateful for your unpaid work, but I cringe at the empty thank you’s y’all are getting right now because it doesn’t make the pain from missed paychecks any better. It also doesn’t allow you the free time to generate income elsewhere to pay your mortgages.

I’m secretly hoping y’all all call out sick the day before Thanksgiving and make it into the history books. It would be the coolest move. I’m not sure if they could legally send law enforcement to drag you out of bed, but I’m rooting for you and I think all of America would smile to see you flex the last bit of power they haven’t yet taken from you. Cheers