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What are three important things I should know about this job?

#Air-traffic-controllers

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Anthony’s Answer

I was an air Traffic Controller for the USAF and served at number of facilities in the US and internationally as well as in FAA facilities, both tower and radar (enroute and terminal). The things I found most important about being an effective air traffic controller was having the proper mental and emotional skills. If you are an easily excitable or emotional or have difficulties focusing or making fast decisions, or not detail oriented this may not be the career field for you for your long term mental and emotional health. The most successful controllers I worked with were fairly easy going, maintain their calm and ability to think ahead of the current situation (and not overthink it) while keeping all details straight.

Both the FAA and military branches (USAF and USN) have great training schools and before you ever talk to your first plane you will go through extensive training and a thorough mentorship program all this will build your knowledge, skill and confidence before you are ever let loose to talk to aircraft on your own.
It was probably one of the best jobs I had in my life, it taught me a lot about how to plan, making decisive decisions with little data input and how to keep your head in a crisis. The added bonus is almost all my future employers keyed on that experience and were in awe that I was an air traffic controller and I truly believed I got more than one job because of that.

Good luck in whatever path you choose.
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Kim’s Answer

I have never worked in air traffic control, but did talk to some of the ATC people when working as an airport police officer. The thing that was often mentioned was the severe restrictions on what medications you can take. You have to report all rx and over the counter meds to them. A lot of allergy meds were not allowed. Living in Texas, lots of people have allergies!

So, I guess #2, is to make sure to get an insurance plan, or two, that covers you when you can't work. (Don't assume you are young and healthy, things change really fast! Get the insurance before you need it!) Gov't jobs usually offer disability insurance, and there are other plans available, such as AFLAC, etc. You would want to ask around to find out what is a good plan for ATC. This is tricky because a lot of plans cover you only if your doctor says you can' t work. But 'ATC people would be in a situation where the doctor says they CAN work, but the employer refuses to allow them to work.

It is very stressful, you have to be very alert and focused and able to make split-second decisions. Everything that goes "Wrong" even if it does not result in an accident, results in an after-incident review and you might feel "everyone" is against you.

All that being said, they loved their jobs! I think the important thing is to make sure the job is right for you, so it is good that you are asking questions. Also, I think a lot of them came from military backgrounds, so you might want to consider that.

Good luck to you!

Kim recommends the following next steps:

see this site for more info. https://www.aviationmedicine.com/consult-an-amas-physician/natca-air-traffic-controllers-association-natca/
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