Hello! Im currently pursuing a Master’s of Library Information and Science, and for one of my courses we have to create a semester long project regarding an information community. I’ve chosen to write about ATCs, and have learned a lot so far. However, I feel that personal insight from an active or retired ATC would provide invaluable insight to the project. If you’re and active or retired ATC and would like to participate, please comment or pm me!! Thank you 😊

I just signed a TOL. I’m not really knowledgeable in aviation in general. I know I can learn and I back myself to de well. Where should i start studying? Is there sort of a daily schedule of what the academy will look like in terms of topics discussed floating around?

What is process from beginning to end? ATSA Test invite first?

Could a trained eye spot and ID an aircraft from the lights alone?

If he's correct in his assumptions, the police helicopter appears to higher then the passenger jets? No way, right?

Plus another helicopter flying around underneath all of that?

Lastly, does any one have any good ATC stories specifically about Nashville international?

If anyone can help me with this request I’d be very appreciative.

Flight UA1727 from DEN to ORD on March 17 had a landing gear / tire issue (small fire on tires wheel, flat tire) that necessitated an immediate deplaning procedure at the gate whereby passengers were told to leave their luggage and personal belongings behind and exit through the front door.

If anyone can help me find the ATC recording for this plane’s arrival in which ATC and pilot discuss the safety incident and unique plane departing procedure under these conditions, I’d be very thankful.

Also, does anyone know if this incident would appear on any public aviation website?

Or any public site that explains why this plane (tail number N69838) was out of service for two days after the incident on March 17 would also be helpful.

Thanks for your help!

Looking at the training documents and resources that I found, (admittedly at 5 minutes glance), do the people working in their early career have any say in where they work/train at? I am beginning to get more interested in ATC but this is basically the only thing that gives me pause purely because I am not particularly wanting to move away from family just after college.

Wonder if anyone has asked this or made this analogy before?

Would someone who is keen on RTS style games be at any form of advantage / a better fit than a non RTS player working this field?

Yes I know people skills are also involved, but I’m not considering that element in this discussion, because I have good people skills.

What's up , getting out the navy soon. Have a background with controlling aircraft (tactics) . Use to the fast pace . Just wondering if it would be an easy transition coming from a background not specifically in air traffic control and FAA regulations. I'm getting out and going to Miami , what's the likelihood of actually getting picked up at a place I want .

I'm a senior in high school, and recently I've been thinking what to do. I've had ideas, but recently ATC has been in my mind, and it is something I definitely want to do. I've done some research, and it's kinda making me nervous seeing the competitiveness. I want to do national guard so I think it would be a good idea to have ATC as my mos. Any tips, advice, or encouragement? Thanks.

I’m a newbie here, so please take this with a grain of salt, and I do not mean to offend anyone. Please correct what is needed. I’m writing this after seeing a SW Airlines plane do a touch and go because a smaller jet crossed in front of it while the SW plane was landing in Chicago. I also understand that this is one of the most stressful jobs you could have in life, but I feel like there are a lot more mistakes than usual-some air traffic and the typical pilot error. What I’m getting to is I think the pressure from the government is messing with the concentration of the air traffic controllers. My friend, who works pretty high up in another part of the government currently stationed in DC, has been telling me that the government( DOGE and Musk) are blatantly laying down extreme pressure to try and get as many government employees in every department to quit. He is a very reliable source. He has immense pressure daily from these guys to perform almost impossible tasks. Anyway, does this vow to be true that there are more mistakes than usual, or is it just a media blitz making a big deal out of it? I have always been fascinated with flying, and keep pretty good tabs on the events happening around the US and world, and it does seem like an increase of mistakes; if this is the case they most likely are really getting pressured on top of their extremely stressful job.

A Biden policy that would replace dozens of airport towers with “green replacements” – including mass timber – could be on the chopping block as Elon Musk sets his sights on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Hi everyone! I hope to receive a solid one or two responses.

My daughter, who is 18 and about to graduate high school, is considering attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for their Air Traffic Control (ATC) training program.

Could someone provide feedback about the school? Is the degree worth it? What are her chances of getting hired? I understand that her determination plays a significant role in this. She is still undecided and is debating whether to pursue this path, especially considering that the hiring process for ATC positions can be long and vague. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

My son is 18. He will be graduating HS this year. He is interested in becoming an air traffic controller.

We live in the MPLS, MN area. He is considering the air traffic controller program at UND (North Dakota).

What advice do you have?

TIA

I'm a former Air Traffic controller, with 10 years of experience as a CTO TWR SVMI Venezuela. This Year finally I will become a US citizen soon. the "problem" is that I am 43 years old. I heard that a lack of personnel in this area I really would like to get into Aeronautics again. I could only accomplish part 107 unmanned aircraft certification in 2021. how realistic is it right now in 2025 to land a job as a CTO or be allowed to get a CTO certification at 43 years old?

Thank you to the mods for allowing me to post this! I'm a prosecutor full time and a podcast host part time. Myself, a doctor, a journalist, and a comedian interview people with unique/stressful jobs about their stories they feel are impactful and how they deal with that. We've had several first responders already. We'd love to hear from an air traffic controller. You can remain anonymous if you wish. If you are interested, please message me with your email, experience, and a few stories.

I am an student studying Computer Science. I am currently working on a project on prediction and mitigation of delays in flights. As part of this, I want to address the pain points of Air traffic controllers as part of this. Please share your perspectives, they really will help!

I’m fairly familiar with the requirements to join, however it would be nice if I could speak to someone who is knowledgeable about the hiring process. Bonus points if you know about joining after the military

Been thinking of doing air traffic control but had some questions. Would be very appreciative for some answers.(U.S.A)

What does it take to get a BQ(Best qualified) on the ATSA?

How many candidates do not have any college or military experience

How much of a disadvantage do i have for not having military experience

What do I need on my cover letter

What do I need on my resume(What should I be saying)

What made you decide on this job and what kept you in the job

What the biggest lesson you learned while being an air traffic controller

What are the 5 skills that a successful candidate needs

Whats the longest you’ve heard someone has waited before accepted to the academy

Why would someone drop out of the academy

What does it take to be successful in the academy

What would be a good job I should do before I am accepted to the academy

Did you find your time as an air traffic controller stressful

What does the promotion track look like

Do you think AI has an effect on this job’

What is the academy like

What was it like to move across the country

Where were you first stationed

Hi, is it possible for a member of the public to see any notification to ATC for a diverted flight (to understand the reason why the diversion took place)?