2 answers
Updated
672 views
Is college the best route for an Air Traffic Controller?
I like the idea of controlling the local air space and giving out help to other pilots to keep everybody safe. #help #planes #airtrafficcontrol
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I know on this side of "the pond", our Air Traffic Control directly takes on school-leavers under a sort of apprenticeship training program, so degrees are certainly not required. Having a degree is probably still a good route in, though. Whether either way was better or worse really depends more on the individual. I'd imagine a lot of school leavers would benefit from having a few more years studying and gaining life experience and technical knowledge before embarking on that sort of high-pressure career; but others might be ready for it and want to get started straight away.
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
I think that the best way to go about becoming an air traffic controller is through the military. They get the same training and qualifications that the FAA does they don't only control military aircraft. I work with the radar side of air traffic control, and I would say that 75% of the aircraft that we control are general aviation and air carriers. You also get great benefits such as the GI bill that you can use to pursue a degree or other trade certifications.