I'll try to give some tips for anyone set to take the atsa. Got my atsa email in the summer. Set my date for the last available which was December because I wanted plenty of time to study. I ended up procrastinating until the last week anyway. Honestly, it's not the type of test to study. You just need to practice, it's just mental prep. I'll stress that you MUST get your numpad skills up. You need to be highly proficient in using the numpad. The best test prep is with JobTestPrep, their test prep mimicked the real test to a T with a few variations. I suggest practicing for two to three weeks. I cannot stress enough how much you NEED to be highly proficient at using the numpad for the game-ified sections. Especially for the collision sim, you need to be able to think a number and your finger will automatically hit the corresponding key without you consciously thinking about it. Stay calm, the test is a measure of your ability to perform under pressure and fatigue. The number sections are long and annoying, it starts to get to you. You start off great, then you mess up one number and you can start to spiral if you don't regain composure quickly. If you've practiced the numpad enough, I can almost guarantee you won't mess up on the numbers and math. Whenever screwed up was just me meaning to press one button and accidentally pressing a wrong one. If you mess up, breathe and stay calm, panic will cascade into disaster, trust me. You'll learn all this with the test prep though, so PREP. I got my results two days ago, I was placed well qualified, only because I accidentally pressed the num lock button on the math section and on the collision sim.MAKE SURE YOUR NUM LOCK IS ON. I got like ten collisions because of that, I literally pressed num lock in the middle of the number section, and the simulator. Took me a while to realize why the keyboard stopped responding and turn the num lock back on. I feel like I did well on the personality test. It's very tricky those questions but once you understand the framework and format of what they want, you figure out how to answer them. The last two sections I literally just winged. At that point I was so pissed and dejected because of the num lock button that I didn't try too hard on the logic and reasoning and the other section. Finished the test in less than an hour and walked out feeling like a failure. Checked my score a few weeks ago on the site and saw that I got well qualified. So I was like welp, not getting a TOL that's for sure. Then two days ago I got a tentative offer letter. Not sure how, but hey, God is good. I'm an AMT with an A&P certificate though, so I'm sure that had some bearing. If I successfully complete training, which I'm sure I will, I'll make a detailed video for those needing information. Info on this is very limited and vague, doesn't help to soothe any fears or anxiety about the process.
@@TaylorKnighten thank you, I'm still in the process of being cleared medically, after that it's off to OKC, I haven't decided if I'll do it yet though
I started school a couple months ago at a CTI program to become a controller and it has been an absolute blast. It’s so rewarding even when I’m still in school. If your below 31 it is definitely something to look into.
@@TaylorKnighten Bith my parents work in the aviation industry so I grew up practically in airplanes and I saw my dads schedule and things he goes through flying and I didn’t want to deal with that so I looked at other fields in the industry and found ATC. I started out looking at schools that had a CTI program and I narrowed the list down and got in contact with one of my instructors and went from there
@@TaylorKnighten Not for me I ended up graduating HS early in December and then got everything set up with my school by mid January but it was a lot of filling out paper work and stuff like that
Great career... but mental wise it's the hardest job you'll ever do. The multi tasking required is beyond any other job out there. Controllers literally develop an ability called a "room ear" which allows them to clearly listen to and fully comprehend multiple conversations at once. Continuously throughout your workday, the coordination and multitasking is so involved that a controller will simultaneously be giving instructions to a pilot, writing down information about another pilot that is talking to him on another frequency, AND listening to other controllers in the same room coordinating traffic flying through adjacent airspaces (in a radar position) or getting permission to cross a runway (in a ground or local tower position). It's no joke.
Many ATCs work >40h weeks and thus make much greater annual comp. I think the real bonus is the job security, and since ATCs are part of the NATCA mafia/union, this ensures that they will never allow basic 1990s technology that would otherwise automate away every single job. I'd argue that's way more important than a meager $1k raise per annum on top of your already generous compensation.
Wow, that's a bummer hearing about the age requirement of 31. I'm actually wondering if joining the military would allow me to be an air traffic controller even at the age of 31.
I'm a pilot, not a controller, but my understanding is that there are waivers for literally everything. I'd check on that. Be aware that the military has a mandatory five-year term of service for those who join to be controllers. Myself, I deal with military controllers all the time, they are very much by-the-book, keeps me on my toes, LOL. I deal with most of them who are working at military airfields and their jobs and procedures don't seem to be much different than FAA airfields. I think the difference is that military controllers can deploy and work air traffic in make-shift facilities such as what we had in Afghanistan. There was a lot of supply, troop and cargo traffic in and out of there on a daily basis which had to be managed. My understanding is that US Navy controllers can deploy to sea as part of a carrier task-force, they manage traffic and help identify friend/foe air traffic while at sea. Where I fly, the controlling agency responsible for all air traffic is actually a Naval Air Station facility so I talk to military controllers all the time. They're just less-likely to issue pop-up IFR clearances and are strict about how we file flight plans. By contrast, the very large Class B (the largest congested airspace around major airports) near me has controllers who will just do it. They tend to "roll with it" much better than military controllers will. They're much busier and handle larger and faster volume of traffic yet they accommodate. So I think if you were to pursue the military route you'd be taught to do things by the numbers which probably ain't so bad. Someone else may be able to provide better info than I, but i'd definitely put the question to a recruiter and make sure they give you accurate information. Also, and my opinion here, if you already have a bachelor's degree then you might want to consider applying for an officer commission and pursuing ATC via that path. Officers are leaders and therefore i'm not sure exactly how much actual hands-on ATC work you'd do after a while, but it's something to look at. I'd go US Air Force if I were you :)
@@avestuart -- This is one of the most informative comments I have ever seen on RUclips! Thank you for taking the time to provide this detailed insight.
I'm 30 and in the military. I'm applying to retrain into ATC, and so far nobody has mentioned a max age requirement. But again, it may be because I'm retraining and not brand new to the military.
It depends on the facility that you go to. It starts lower as you train and you increase salary as you reach certain training levels. Larger facilities are closer to $200,000+ with overtime and some years in the facility
@@BluntBlowinn Um...no LOL. Speed is not what's important. You don't need to find a community college with a ATC program. Just take classes for a 2 year degree if that's what you want. . ATC degrees are a complete waste of time. Even with the best ATC school you may never get picked up for training. You won't know if you have what it takes in ATC until you train under real live traffic. I've seen a lot of paper tigers fold under the pressure of real traffic. We were told as trainees that we were like like a lump of coal....put enough pressure on them and they either turn into a diamond or coal dust. All the ATC classes in the world won't help you with that. The wash out rate of a ATC is very high. If you wash out your ATC degree is worthless.
what???? 31 years older you can't get into that field???? WOW that sucks!!! I don't know why you would want these young ones controlling air traffic...I'm shocked!
If you’re ATC you HAVE to retire @ 56 You have to have 25 years of service with the gov’t so 56-25=31 as the limit one can be. I’m 23 ayeee🥳🥳 I’m about to apply lol
Lol, there’s a reason we don’t let old people into our field. Complacency (kinda like how you assumed age=ability), deteriorating speech and mental clarity (especially after doing this job for decades), and the federal retirement for ATC is 56.
That was also back in 2008. Things are way different now. I went to a university, got an associate degree in aviation technology, then did FAA training in Oklahoma City and came out of college and training making 96k
ehm, i got a question, if i'm a foreigner in the USA, with a master on ATC, what is my path to exercise my profession in America?, is there any issue for being a foreigner?
You have to be a citizen to hold any government position. This is a government position so you will not be eligible to my knowledge. You should still apply, but do not lie about your citizenship status. If they disqualify you then just reapply in a few years when you're a naturalized citizen, given you aren't 31 or over by then
Hello sir, Iam graduated in bsc physics and iam doing my pg in msc physics. Is there any chance to become an air traffic controller by giving any coaching....? Please reply
THAT TAKES ME OUT OF THE GAME:I AM TOO OLD FOR THAT!It,s no wander they lack such workers:TOO demanding,stressful,long work hours and people probably get burned out,real fast!O WELL!NOT FOR ME!
@@sonic72fast I haven’t found a lot cause my exam is on the 8th I just watched this one guy to give an overview over the test but they’re isn’t a lot of practice guides
Wouldn't that depend upon the facility in which one is working? I'm a pilot, controllers I meet all say they love it. Anecdotal, of course. Some facilities are very busy, others are chill.
@@avestuart yes most other aerodromes are nicer like in india where there are some staff that are dedicated to serve snacks and drinks to the tic and controller while in others there are more systems. Mine on the other hand is really dumb, cant say it but try monitoring one of the busiest airport while at the same time monitoring the air defence and ground situation. Its a decent amount more work.
@@avestuartYes it heavily depends on the management of the facility and the people who are working there. I was an ATC trainee from 2008 to 2009ish at the KDAB TRACON and the work environment there was extremely toxic. The controllers were just so angry and disgruntled towards management it was difficult to focus on my training. I got out of that job as soon as possible.
Air triffic control specialists are not hard jobs, and it's definitely not a stressful job. You can get in with a low education level. It is a basically watch stand job, they operates 24/7, and they provide services to the pilots. It is kinda like a 911 dispatcher job. You need to learn some air triffic languages and need to learn to use a track ball and a keyboard. Also, be ready to work with MANY other pps in the same room because you do not have your own office! Good luck, and see you in OKC.
Well explained sir. I am a trainee ATC officer in India. Here minimum qualification to became a ATC officer is comparatively high than USA. Does USA allows other nationals to become ATC officer in USA? If so what are the requirements? Thanks.
🚀Choose The Right Career Today: www.careerwatch.co/choose-the-right-career
I'll try to give some tips for anyone set to take the atsa. Got my atsa email in the summer. Set my date for the last available which was December because I wanted plenty of time to study. I ended up procrastinating until the last week anyway. Honestly, it's not the type of test to study. You just need to practice, it's just mental prep. I'll stress that you MUST get your numpad skills up. You need to be highly proficient in using the numpad. The best test prep is with JobTestPrep, their test prep mimicked the real test to a T with a few variations. I suggest practicing for two to three weeks. I cannot stress enough how much you NEED to be highly proficient at using the numpad for the game-ified sections. Especially for the collision sim, you need to be able to think a number and your finger will automatically hit the corresponding key without you consciously thinking about it. Stay calm, the test is a measure of your ability to perform under pressure and fatigue. The number sections are long and annoying, it starts to get to you. You start off great, then you mess up one number and you can start to spiral if you don't regain composure quickly. If you've practiced the numpad enough, I can almost guarantee you won't mess up on the numbers and math. Whenever screwed up was just me meaning to press one button and accidentally pressing a wrong one. If you mess up, breathe and stay calm, panic will cascade into disaster, trust me. You'll learn all this with the test prep though, so PREP. I got my results two days ago, I was placed well qualified, only because I accidentally pressed the num lock button on the math section and on the collision sim.MAKE SURE YOUR NUM LOCK IS ON. I got like ten collisions because of that, I literally pressed num lock in the middle of the number section, and the simulator. Took me a while to realize why the keyboard stopped responding and turn the num lock back on. I feel like I did well on the personality test. It's very tricky those questions but once you understand the framework and format of what they want, you figure out how to answer them. The last two sections I literally just winged. At that point I was so pissed and dejected because of the num lock button that I didn't try too hard on the logic and reasoning and the other section. Finished the test in less than an hour and walked out feeling like a failure. Checked my score a few weeks ago on the site and saw that I got well qualified. So I was like welp, not getting a TOL that's for sure. Then two days ago I got a tentative offer letter. Not sure how, but hey, God is good. I'm an AMT with an A&P certificate though, so I'm sure that had some bearing. If I successfully complete training, which I'm sure I will, I'll make a detailed video for those needing information. Info on this is very limited and vague, doesn't help to soothe any fears or anxiety about the process.
Did you follow through with this career?
If so congratulations!!!
@@TaylorKnighten thank you, I'm still in the process of being cleared medically, after that it's off to OKC, I haven't decided if I'll do it yet though
Any update!! Rooting for yoy
Ty
I started school a couple months ago at a CTI program to become a controller and it has been an absolute blast. It’s so rewarding even when I’m still in school. If your below 31 it is definitely something to look into.
what school are you attending?
Thanks for your insight. I am 27 with a daughter and I would like to become one soon. How did you get started?
@@TaylorKnighten Bith my parents work in the aviation industry so I grew up practically in airplanes and I saw my dads schedule and things he goes through flying and I didn’t want to deal with that so I looked at other fields in the industry and found ATC. I started out looking at schools that had a CTI program and I narrowed the list down and got in contact with one of my instructors and went from there
@@Kyle_7223 nice! Was it a long process ?
@@TaylorKnighten Not for me I ended up graduating HS early in December and then got everything set up with my school by mid January but it was a lot of filling out paper work and stuff like that
Great career... but mental wise it's the hardest job you'll ever do. The multi tasking required is beyond any other job out there. Controllers literally develop an ability called a "room ear" which allows them to clearly listen to and fully comprehend multiple conversations at once. Continuously throughout your workday, the coordination and multitasking is so involved that a controller will simultaneously be giving instructions to a pilot, writing down information about another pilot that is talking to him on another frequency, AND listening to other controllers in the same room coordinating traffic flying through adjacent airspaces (in a radar position) or getting permission to cross a runway (in a ground or local tower position). It's no joke.
Absolutely true, as an ATC of 5 years, well said
Many ATCs work >40h weeks and thus make much greater annual comp. I think the real bonus is the job security, and since ATCs are part of the NATCA mafia/union, this ensures that they will never allow basic 1990s technology that would otherwise automate away every single job. I'd argue that's way more important than a meager $1k raise per annum on top of your already generous compensation.
Wow, that's a bummer hearing about the age requirement of 31. I'm actually wondering if joining the military would allow me to be an air traffic controller even at the age of 31.
I'm a pilot, not a controller, but my understanding is that there are waivers for literally everything. I'd check on that. Be aware that the military has a mandatory five-year term of service for those who join to be controllers. Myself, I deal with military controllers all the time, they are very much by-the-book, keeps me on my toes, LOL. I deal with most of them who are working at military airfields and their jobs and procedures don't seem to be much different than FAA airfields. I think the difference is that military controllers can deploy and work air traffic in make-shift facilities such as what we had in Afghanistan. There was a lot of supply, troop and cargo traffic in and out of there on a daily basis which had to be managed. My understanding is that US Navy controllers can deploy to sea as part of a carrier task-force, they manage traffic and help identify friend/foe air traffic while at sea. Where I fly, the controlling agency responsible for all air traffic is actually a Naval Air Station facility so I talk to military controllers all the time. They're just less-likely to issue pop-up IFR clearances and are strict about how we file flight plans. By contrast, the very large Class B (the largest congested airspace around major airports) near me has controllers who will just do it. They tend to "roll with it" much better than military controllers will. They're much busier and handle larger and faster volume of traffic yet they accommodate. So I think if you were to pursue the military route you'd be taught to do things by the numbers which probably ain't so bad.
Someone else may be able to provide better info than I, but i'd definitely put the question to a recruiter and make sure they give you accurate information. Also, and my opinion here, if you already have a bachelor's degree then you might want to consider applying for an officer commission and pursuing ATC via that path. Officers are leaders and therefore i'm not sure exactly how much actual hands-on ATC work you'd do after a while, but it's something to look at. I'd go US Air Force if I were you :)
@@avestuart -- This is one of the most informative comments I have ever seen on RUclips! Thank you for taking the time to provide this detailed insight.
I'm 30 and in the military. I'm applying to retrain into ATC, and so far nobody has mentioned a max age requirement. But again, it may be because I'm retraining and not brand new to the military.
@@nicks8505 www.faa.gov/be-atc "be age 30 or under on the closing date of the application period (with limited exceptions)"
I'm 33 ,I'm joining the navy as an air traffic controller (AC) . I ship out on September 7th. Go for it .
This was so informative. Thank you so incredibly much!
No problem! Glad you got value out of it.
This was amazing, thanks for the upload.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Being 32 turns out to be a curse yet again
I GOT MY EAMIL LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ive seen some things on google saying the salary is only 50k and then most yt videos and a few other sites/site on colleges saying 120-150k per year
It depends on the facility that you go to. It starts lower as you train and you increase salary as you reach certain training levels. Larger facilities are closer to $200,000+ with overtime and some years in the facility
Sooo I'm guessing I'm not the only one who got their ATSA testing email a couple days ago?
I recieved mine too and I'm supposed to start my classes tomorrow... decisions decisions lol
@@hemiconnor1216 classes? I only had to schedule my Assessment (October 26th) and it's only one day. 3 and a half hour test
@@WitYoUgglass oh college classes for a completely different occupation lol
I got mine two weeks ago too. Set my test date for as late as possible so I can really get some in depth studying in
I scheduled mine for December and trying to get some study/practice in
Is there any chance to become an air traffic controller by graduating community college? And how about if you are foreign student based in The Usa?
yea u gotta find a community college w a atc program tho and do a one year thing after it im pretty sure
@@BluntBlowinnYou don't need a ATC program. I graduated with a degree in finance. In fact I'd say don't waste your time in a ATC program.
You need to be a US citizen to train for the FAA
@@KB-xd5wq if you want to be an atc im sure thats way quicker than getting a finance degree lmao. degrees in general are a waste of time
@@BluntBlowinn Um...no LOL. Speed is not what's important. You don't need to find a community college with a ATC program. Just take classes for a 2 year degree if that's what you want. . ATC degrees are a complete waste of time. Even with the best ATC school you may never get picked up for training. You won't know if you have what it takes in ATC until you train under real live traffic. I've seen a lot of paper tigers fold under the pressure of real traffic. We were told as trainees that we were like like a lump of coal....put enough pressure on them and they either turn into a diamond or coal dust. All the ATC classes in the world won't help you with that. The wash out rate of a ATC is very high. If you wash out your ATC degree is worthless.
Can you do A update on the appraiser job, ty if you do!
what???? 31 years older you can't get into that field???? WOW that sucks!!! I don't know why you would want these young ones controlling air traffic...I'm shocked!
If you’re ATC you HAVE to retire @ 56
You have to have 25 years of service with the gov’t so 56-25=31 as the limit one can be. I’m 23 ayeee🥳🥳 I’m about to apply lol
Yes, kind of crazy. Only the marines have a more extreme age requirement. Can't enlist past age 28.
Lol, there’s a reason we don’t let old people into our field. Complacency (kinda like how you assumed age=ability), deteriorating speech and mental clarity (especially after doing this job for decades), and the federal retirement for ATC is 56.
I agree 31 is pretty young but considering most don’t take PROPER care of their brain and physical health…it makes sense.
@@rixygutierrez Hey! Good for ya...If you can, and you qualify, then why not. All the best! 👍👍
Very interesting video! The requirements mentioned in the beginning are US criteria?
I just turned 26 years old in January, should I even consider getting a bachelor's? I would be 30 by then with the 4 years of education.
You don’t need any degree to become a controller
@@dylanspence1842 an associates minimum is an ideal tho
@@fijigio2731 why?
@@fijigio2731 so if you get an associates degree can you still become one?
@@fijigio2731 I have 3 CTOs and didn’t graduate high school. Degrees are not necessary
3:32 I was only making 40k back in 2008... you don't start out making much at all.
That was also back in 2008. Things are way different now. I went to a university, got an associate degree in aviation technology, then did FAA training in Oklahoma City and came out of college and training making 96k
Not sure what facility you were in or if you were training...but that is quite low.
@@KB-xd5wq KDAB TRACON back in 2008 I think was like a level 9 facility. They had a lot of VFR traffic from all of the flight schools nearby.
ehm, i got a question, if i'm a foreigner in the USA, with a master on ATC, what is my path to exercise my profession in America?, is there any issue for being a foreigner?
You have to be a citizen to hold any government position. This is a government position so you will not be eligible to my knowledge. You should still apply, but do not lie about your citizenship status. If they disqualify you then just reapply in a few years when you're a naturalized citizen, given you aren't 31 or over by then
@youngeshmoney Do I have to be under 31 to practice ATH in the United States? Or do I have to be under 31 to study it?
@@Flexmaskjust under 31 for this specific job
@@youngeshmoneyLOL ...no. You will have to meet a FBI screening and finger printing. you will be toast in more ways than one if you lie.
If I have a Green Card, could I apply for this position?
Nope
@@quakeroats5686 yes, he can!
@@delphinmutangana1755 you're right my bad
This was found unlawful under the age-discrimination act in the UK and most US States so actually, this doesn’t really apply anymore. Its an old stat.
@@delphinmutangana1755 he can apply, but he'll be denied, you must be a citizen, not a permanent resident
Do you need a specific degree in some sort of field related to Air Traffic Controlling or does any bachelors degree work?
Nope
I had a degree in finance....
Hello sir,
Iam graduated in bsc physics and iam doing my pg in msc physics.
Is there any chance to become an air traffic controller by giving any coaching....?
Please reply
I will be 31 in 7 months , is it still possible?
Yes! I was scheduled for the test and I’ll be 31 in February
Make a video about accounting. Do you believe that most of accounting is bookkeeping ?
Starting more business related careers next week. Accountings a pretty big field. Lots of the bookkeeping is getting automated.
THAT TAKES ME OUT OF THE GAME:I AM TOO OLD FOR THAT!It,s no wander they lack such workers:TOO demanding,stressful,long work hours and people probably get burned out,real fast!O WELL!NOT FOR ME!
If I study computer science can I become a air traffic controller
Yeah you just need a degree or 4 years work experience 😊
I will be 30 in 5 months....is still career still good for me?
Yes you would have to retire at 56 that’s why 31 is the limit you would still reach 25 years service
How long does the hiring process go for till you hear a response?
i applied around 3 months ago and just got an email back today. its why i looked up this video. I figured i would never hear back when i applied
@@tgw089 same I just got my response as well so now I’m study for that ATSA exam before I schedule my appointment
@@tgw089 yea the wait was mad long but I figured to study for it before I call before that exam
@@sonic72fast I haven’t found a lot cause my exam is on the 8th I just watched this one guy to give an overview over the test but they’re isn’t a lot of practice guides
I have my exam on dec 6 trying to get some practice in too
Trust me you do not want to be one...... its a shitshow
Sounds pretty stressful.
Wouldn't that depend upon the facility in which one is working? I'm a pilot, controllers I meet all say they love it. Anecdotal, of course. Some facilities are very busy, others are chill.
@@avestuart yes most other aerodromes are nicer like in india where there are some staff that are dedicated to serve snacks and drinks to the tic and controller while in others there are more systems. Mine on the other hand is really dumb, cant say it but try monitoring one of the busiest airport while at the same time monitoring the air defence and ground situation. Its a decent amount more work.
@@avestuartYes it heavily depends on the management of the facility and the people who are working there. I was an ATC trainee from 2008 to 2009ish at the KDAB TRACON and the work environment there was extremely toxic. The controllers were just so angry and disgruntled towards management it was difficult to focus on my training. I got out of that job as soon as possible.
Sad there is an age cut off and no one ever told me that this is a career and they make bank at it. It's 35 btw not 31
Can I be a DACA recipient?
Low volume and heavy microphone pop makes this undesirable to watch.
Ar u indian?
You didn't ask me, but he doesn't look like it to me lol ..
@@nurelljucida962 he looks half white half Indian🤣
@@youngeshmoney hmm, I guess he could be. I'm half black half Indian so I guess I could see that on the other side of the spectrum 😅
Air triffic control specialists are not hard jobs, and it's definitely not a stressful job. You can get in with a low education level. It is a basically watch stand job, they operates 24/7, and they provide services to the pilots. It is kinda like a 911 dispatcher job. You need to learn some air triffic languages and need to learn to use a track ball and a keyboard. Also, be ready to work with MANY other pps in the same room because you do not have your own office! Good luck, and see you in OKC.
Well explained sir. I am a trainee ATC officer in India. Here minimum qualification to became a ATC officer is comparatively high than USA.
Does USA allows other nationals to become ATC officer in USA? If so what are the requirements?
Thanks.