I am thinking about what I want to do in the future and I am currently considering both applying for a Cadet Programme or ATC Programme. I have already been speaking with people actively in the specific Cadet Programme I am considering and pilots at the airline as well, however, I have not had the opportunity to speak to people who are already working within the control tower. I was wondering if there was anyone on the IFC who is actively an Air Traffic Controller who would give me the go ahead to reach out to them and ask questions about the day to day work as well as the training and courses that need to be taken. Thanks!
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@ Tyler (Head IFATC guy) is an IRL ATC person so I would definitely recommend reaching out to him!
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That is true, maybe I will reach out! Thanks for reminding me. But gonna see who replies here first cause I would rather not just suddenly message out of nowhere, I was hoping for permission first so it isnt as random and sudden.
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Considering that he says this in his profile, I’d imagine you messaging him to talk about it would be welcome. 😉
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Ah right, okay, thanks haha
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Even though Tyler is obviously the best candidate to ask questions about your path, I also just took my ATSA (Air Traffic Skills Assessment) exam so I might also be able to answer some questions you have.
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Not sure if this’d be of help, but I am currently in training with the German ANSP (DFS). If you have a question I could try to answer as well :)
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I think it would be good to get as broad of a group as possible would be great so I can kinda get different view points as well! Thank you both @MxP & @Joseph_Spinner, I will reach out!
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My inbox is always open! I’d love to chat and help you make your decision. I only have first hand knowledge of the process here in the US but it sounds like you can piece together quite a bit from a few of us around the world. Good luck! 🙂
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Thank you so much! I will reach out shortly!
I’m going to school to become a controller and I got 2 months left before I graduate. So far from my experience from class and whatnot controlling can be difficult at time but it’s so much fun and so rewarding when your vision works out right. It’s definitely something a lot more people should look into
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Thank you for your kind insights! I will definitely keep this in mind. But I agree, I feel like a lot of people look at being a piloit and not many actually look at ATC as a career path!
If you’re considering a pilot career, a Cadet program is a safe bet.
Up here in canada, you can get yourself (you’d have to earn this, though) a full 7 week course, for free. And it would look great for college apps, and interviews for airlines.
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Yeah, I am considoring both, the main concern with the cadet programme is the medical as I have had joint surgery befopre after rugby injuries. So that is why I am hedging my bets with options. But here Cathay Pacific offer a good cadet programme where they send you to Australia for a few months all paid for to learn to fly and then come back to HK and fly for them. But then you are tied to them for a few years as repayment. The requirements are the medical, a degree in a professional disciple, passing an ICAO English test and passing some cognitive learning and decision making tests, among other things I cannot remember right now.
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medical issues in aviation only extend to life-threatening issues that could happen during flight. a lot of pilots are on medications, and a lot use glasses too. so a few surgeries for sport injuries shouldn’t effect your record that hard. I would recommend reading some of this, it is a lengthy read but is pretty important.
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being ATC has less medical requirements, but to what ive seen is pretty stressful, and you only get to stay in one place. but it is another key instrument in aviation, and they are always looking for more
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Yeah, but I am not sure what the medical requirements are here. I have heard Cathay are quite strict, but we will see.
type 1 medical is universal globally, if im correct
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It is, but Cathay add things on top as well I believe. I know pre-COVID they required a fitness test to some degree and other things.
I can’t join either considering my cochlear implants, as my mom says, “what if they die when you are controlling while on final/controlling?”