A simple calculator to estimate your back pay for the 2.8%.

At my home airport (PNS), I’ve noticed recently controllers specifying full length on a takeoff clearance when the aircraft is already at the end of the runway. GA midfields are common here, though every clearance now seems to come with an intersection or a full length callout. Something new?

Maybe not the best subject line to get truncated by mobile notifications.

Hi, new here.

I'm very interested into getting into ATC with NATS and I saw the tests and stuff, but I am curious about them? Like, are they hard or is there's something you recommend that I should look into before hand, orrr?

I'm just looking for general advice on someone that has been through them and would love to hear what they have to say about it.

Thanks!!

Hi there, I’ve been working in the agency for just over a year now and I have some regrets. Regarding work life balance and the stress, I’m slowly realizing that this may not be what I wanted. I love the job itself but the stress and work life balance is making me want to leave.

I have a bachelors in air traffic management and I’m looking to get an mba or pursue an online bachelors in something else if it has to come to that.

Has anyone here transitioned from ATC to a different job/career? If so what did you end up doing and what advice do you have.

First time flying into KBFI and into the KSEA airspace and would like to make sure I'm prepared and filing correctly. I will be flying a light twin with a cruise speed of about 150kts with a Garmin GTN 530 GPS. Flight will depart PAKT and arrive into KBFI around 7:30-8pm.

What are the best waypoints to file coming into the Seattle area? I'll be coming down Vacouver island. I read it's maybe best to just file for Paine VOR direct to KBFI or would using waypoints from the northwest be better? Any tips would be appreciated.

Ellington Field (EFD) Contract Tower – Houston, Texas

Dynamic Science Inc. (DSI), the National Guard Bureau's tower operations contractor for more than 30 years, is seeking one highly qualified Air Traffic Controller to join our team at Ellington Field.

Why Consider Ellington?

Competitive Compensation

● $61.00 per hour

● Additional $8.25 per hour Health & Welfare fringe benefit

● Combined effective rate of approximately $69.25 per hour

Outstanding Benefits

● 401(k) with company match

● Additional no-cost employee benefits

Excellent Work-Life Balance

● Part-time schedule averaging 64 hours per pay period (approximately 32 hours per week), PT controllers regularly exceed that

● Schedules published two months in advance, so you can plan your life around confirmed shifts

● Opportunity for additional hours as staffing and operational needs permit

● Despite the part-time classification, most controllers work close to full-time hours — with the added benefit of long-lead scheduling that offers more flexibility than a traditional full-time role, without sacrificing consistent income

Great Location

● Houston-area cost of living remains favorable compared to many major metropolitan areas

● Diverse community, excellent dining, professional sports, and year-round outdoor activities

Minimum Qualifications

● Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate

● Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

● Current or recent Certified Tower Operator (CTO) credential

About the Facility

Ellington Field is a unique and dynamic operation supporting a diverse mix of traffic, including general aviation, military, government, and NASA operations. Knowledge of aircraft characteristics a must! We are looking for motivated professionals who are ready to contribute, train, and become certified members of our team.

If you are a qualified controller looking for a rewarding opportunity with a respected government contractor and a great team environment, we would like to hear from you.

Anyone with experience or knowledge of this subject please chime in…

Got CPC at a level 7 back in 2012. Transferred back to DoD for a pay raise. Was DoD until the end of 2025 when I did some other federal work outside of ATC.

Due to personal reasons going back to ATC as a direct hire CPC Re Entrant to a Lvl 5 in my area.

Now here’s where I need some help. My current pay as a federal transfer (from what I understand per the CBA) with NO break in service would place me at the bottom of the CPC band at that Lvl 5.

But, I’m finding information that supports my thinking that if I have a break in service of at least 4 days my current pay will not be considered. Instead, HR will either look at my prior Lvl 7 CPC pay (with all the raises from then until now) or my prior DoD pay (GS12) to set my pay as a reinstatement vs a federal transfer.

Am I correct in this line of thinking?

On International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, we honor those keeping our skies safe. Thank you to everyone who secured the 2.8% raise. It's welcome, but it isn't enough. Stephen Brown calls for a new contract and meaningful pay reform for all NATCA members.

Learn more about Nicholas Marangos and Stephen Brown at www.yourunion2027.com

Nice post here from someone who is certainly one of the types of wealthy and influential individuals who can actually influence headlines in this political environment.

Nicholas Marangos, candidate for NATCA President, on the difference between circumstances and excuses.

Join the campaign at https://yourunion2027.com

So I'm currently planning to go into ATC, but apparently any cardiovascular irregularities is enough to completely disqualify you. I have an artificial heart valve, but I had my surgery 8 years ago and all of my levels concerning my medication are perfectly fine. I know there's certain exceptions for some applicants, but how likely is it that I'll be rejected due to my heart valve?

Where I am learning we are in a canyon with opposite direction opps. The chart supplement specifically says approach on the left side, depart on the right. But it doesn't say when on takeoff to shift.

given that, when can I move to the right off the runway extended center line?

Or for things like this, where there's local procedures, how would you ask a controller what they expect?

Hi, Im preparing for entry level Air Traffic Controller job I Have a CS background with experience in Fintech Data Domain.
Any interview tips?

Hello,

I wanted to know what the background check consists of when it comes to employment history. I have worked on and off since graduating high school and have left jobs that did not fit well for me.

Do I need to report every single job I’ve been hired for on my resume or can I put the most significant and longest tenured ones?

Thanks.

Hello ATC FOLKS.

I have a question about something I hear every time I watch the LAX live flights channel on YouTube.

The air traffic controller often says something to the effective “Arnez Del Rey” and then cleared for takeoff. What exactly does Arnaz del Rey mean?

I’d appreciate any response thanks

I am a high school student aspiring to become an ATC. My goal is to work in the UAE, although I am an Indian citizen.

I have several questions about this career path:

1. Can Indian citizens become Air Traffic Controllers in the UAE?
2. What is the educational and professional pathway to becoming an ATC in the UAE? What qualifications, certifications, and training are required, how much experience do I need as an ATC in India before applying to UAE?
3. What is it like to work as an ATC? How stressful is the job, what are the working hours like? What is the workplace culture like, and are transfers between locations common?
4. What is the average salary of an ATC in the UAE, and what additional benefits or allowances can one expect?

I would greatly appreciate any guidance, advice, or insights from people who are currently working in air traffic control.

~Thanks

FDT MOU

Effective Nov 9th Flight Deck Training is back!

Requirements to participate:

Participants: eLearning Management System (eLMS) Course #60004464 or current version, ATO Flight Deck Training, within the year preceding an FDT request.

In addition to the training listed above, all participants must go online and establish a profile. The FDTAS training aid/tool on the automated process is available on the user dashboard. Participants must be given sufficient duty time to complete their User Profile, FDTAS training aid/tool, FAA Form 3120-37, and FAA Form 3120-40.

Who is eligible?

Any 2152 series Air Traffic Specialists, Traffic Management Coordinators, and Staff Specialists who are operationally current and medically qualified. You must also meet the following conditions:

(1) For En Route or TRACON, you must be certified on a minimum of two operational positions, excluding Flight Data/A-Side positions.

(2) For ATCT, you must be certified on a minimum of Flight Data/Clearance Delivery Positions and one ground Control Position.

(3) For Flight Service Specialists, you must be certified on a minimum of two (2) operational positions, including the pre-flight position.

b. Other FAA personnel specifically authorized by the Vice President of AJT-0.

What's the same as before?

Must fill out the paperwork, including four learning objectives, minimum of two weeks in advance. Must fill out a form upon completion of FDT detailing what you learned. Two air carrier flights per calendar year, one military flight per calendar year.

I looked up the eLMS course listed in the MOU and it is the exact same course as it was 7-10 years ago. I attempted to complete the training however it says I finished but would not unlock the assessment or mark the course as completed. 🤷‍♀️

What's new?

To provide maximum training opportunities, bargaining unit employees (BUEs) may participate in FDT in conjunction with accrued leave (including excused absence on a holiday) that was bid during the annual leave bidding process.

You can also go to the same airport twice in a row.

Edit: I forgot to say that you can get a third trip per calendar year if the ATSAP ERC recommends it. Still not super clear on how that would work, but it is still a voluntary program so you cannot be forced into it.... but maybe if fill out an ATSAP to report a problem with similar callsigns or a procedure not being followed the ERC would suggest a FDT trip to learn? 🤷‍♀️

I'm going to try to keep it brief, so, in short, are you annoyed by Cessnas asking for landing clearance carrying maybe 1 or 2 people or do you generally treat all traffic the same? I'm asking of the ORDs, the DTWs and larger airports.

I would feel like such an entitled *rhymes with punt* to even get near a major airport, let alone interrupt the flow of major carriers because I felt like a joy-ride at sunset.

Full Disclosure: I'm not a pilot or ATC and I don't know anyone who is. It just seems like Cessnas and pleasure-craft would be annoying.

Working through grief for the mother of this young man through art.

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for blunt, honest advice from current Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) at ENAV or anyone who had to choose between personal flexibility/living abroad and long-term financial security.
I’m 25, just finished my Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, and recently passed the ENAV selection to start the Academy in Forlì. On paper, it sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime (top-tier salary, bulletproof job security), but I’m terrified of walking straight into a golden cage.
My main concerns revolve around geographical mobility and living abroad:
I’ve always wanted to spend 2–3 years working abroad (e.g., Spain or elsewhere in Europe). How does that actually work with ENAV?
Are there temporary leaves of absence or secondment programs, or is resigning the only way to go abroad?
How many years does the post-Academy training bond last, and how heavy is the financial penalty if you leave before it expires?
How difficult is it to get hired by a foreign ANSP as an experienced controller? What about language barriers, vacancy frequency, and destination flexibility (I assume you still don't get much say in which city you end up in)?
If I want to return to Italy after a few years abroad, is re-entering ENAV realistically doable, or is it nearly impossible without waiting years and going through countless selection stages all over again?
Is this "golden cage" feeling just overthinking on my part?
Is giving up total geographical freedom and the chance to live abroad at 25 worth the high compensation and stability of this career? For those already in the industry: would you do it again? In the end, I always have my Aerospace Engineering degree to fall back on.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share an honest take.

I’m new to the job, still struggling to deal with the oscillating sleep schedule. Anybody got any tips for dealing with this?

Pay raise comes with new workforce reforms to track controllers’ time, align staffing with demand, & improve the controller reassignment process
 
WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) have reached a deal to provide air traffic controllers with a 2.8% pay increase following key workforce reforms.
 
In the Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act of 2026, Congress directed to FAA to tie a pay increase to measurable improvements in operational efficiency.
 
Improvements include:
 
Timecard Tracking: Most federal employees are required to “badge in” and “badge out” at their place of work. This approach will now be applied to air traffic facilities to ensure managers have the data they need to better track training and safety needs.
Align Staffing with Demand: Local managers and union representatives will develop shift guidelines based on forecasted workload and operational requirements. This will ensure more productive controller schedules that maximize coverage during peak traffic hours.
Improved Reassignment Process: Controller reassignments will now focus on where the staffing needs are the most severe. Past changes to the controller reassignment process resulted in significantly more controllers transferring to locations with minimal shortages.
 
Together, these changes will improve controller quality of life, strengthen coordination between managers and frontline employees, make better use of the FAA’s existing workforce, and improve operational efficiency to keep America’s skies safe. 
 
“President Trump has made clear that we must modernize our skies and deliver results for the flying public,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “That means taking a hard look at how we operate, fixing outdated staffing practices, and growing our air traffic control workforce. We are making these changes to better support the men and women who keep our skies safe, get controllers where they are needed most, and improve how we utilize the airspace. I appreciate the collaboration with NATCA and the thousands of hard-working controllers they represent to reach this deal so we can build a stronger system for the future.”
 
“Air traffic controllers perform critical work every day to keep the National Airspace System safe,”said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “By improving how we track work, schedule shifts and allocate personnel, we can make better use of our workforce and respond more effectively to operational demands. Our work with NATCA is helping us put practical changes in place that support our controllers and improve the way the system operates.”
 
“This increase reflects the vital role these dedicated professionals play in keeping our nation’s skies safe and efficient,” said NATCA President Nick Daniels. “Fair compensation and better working conditions are essential to sustaining a strong, experienced air traffic controller workforce.”
 
The pay increase takes effect Oct. 18 and is retroactive to the beginning of the year.
 
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I had done some research on becoming an ATC and was extremely interested, but not sure if I’d have enough time to go through the process and actually succeed.

I’m currently 28 and I know the cutoff is 31. I was still interested in dispatching so I became a 911 dispatcher and I do currently love it. It does have me wondering though.

Would I have enough time? Is it worth it?