3 ms·

Only 10% make it through the first week? At least the weed out process is quick.

pavel_lishin 2mo ago
Where do you see it taking a week? > Historically, fewer than 10% of applicants met the FAA's requirements to work as an air traffic controller and gain admission to the agency's training program. It sounds like they are weeded out before even being accepted.
- projektfu 2mo ago
  The medical certificate weeds out many of them. Many video gamers are proud of their ADHD, and that is a no-no. If they've been depressed, have sleep disorders, etc. They would have to go through a difficult process to be issued a certificate if they eventually are able to. I doubt a casual, "sure, I could try it", applicant would spend the $6000+ to get the medical in that situation.
- rawgabbit 2mo ago
  It was this quote: ” Aspiring controllers must also pass an exam that the FAA says predicts candidates' "aptitude to be an air traffic controller." Within a week, they are notified if they have passed”
shagie 2mo ago
As noted in a sibling comment, that there is no "in a week" implied in the 10%. The requirements themselves are at https://www.faa.gov/air-traffic-controller-qualifications https://www.faa.gov/air-traffic-controller-qualifications Individuals must meet the following minimum qualifications in order to be eligible for an Air Traffic Controller position: Be a United States citizen Be under the age of 31 Pass a medical examination Pass a security investigation Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment tests, including the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA) Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment Have one year of progressively responsible work experience, or a Bachelor's degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience that totals one year The medical requirements are furthermore: Air Traffic Controller candidates must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit and meet standards for vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric health. (and there's a long list on the site for the specifics for each standard)... for example, the first one under eye: Applicants must demonstrate distant and near vision of 20/20 or better in each eye separately. The use of bifocal contact lenses for the correction of near vision is unacceptable. ... It goes on for the training requirements... Entry-level applicants must complete required training courses and spend several months at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Applicants are paid while in training. After graduating the academy, individuals are placed in locations across the country and must gain 2-3 years additional training, both classroom and on-the-job experience, before becoming a certified professional controller. This rigorous training includes close supervision and evaluation by senior controllers that ensures controllers are competent, professional, know their airspace environment and can deal with the pressures and high pace of the job. And the specifics for that can be found at https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_JO_3120.4S_AdminUpdate.pdf https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_JO... with is a 285 page pdf.

Where do you see it taking a week? > Historically, fewer than 10% of applicants met the FAA's requirements to work as an air traffic controller and gain admission to the agency's training program. It sounds like they are weeded out before even being accepted.

projektfu 2mo ago
The medical certificate weeds out many of them. Many video gamers are proud of their ADHD, and that is a no-no. If they've been depressed, have sleep disorders, etc. They would have to go through a difficult process to be issued a certificate if they eventually are able to. I doubt a casual, "sure, I could try it", applicant would spend the $6000+ to get the medical in that situation.
rawgabbit 2mo ago
It was this quote: ” Aspiring controllers must also pass an exam that the FAA says predicts candidates' "aptitude to be an air traffic controller." Within a week, they are notified if they have passed”

shagie 2mo ago

As noted in a sibling comment, that there is no "in a week" implied in the 10%. The requirements themselves are at https://www.faa.gov/air-traffic-controller-qualifications https://www.faa.gov/air-traffic-controller-qualifications Individuals must meet the following minimum qualifications in order to be eligible for an Air Traffic Controller position: Be a United States citizen Be under the age of 31 Pass a medical examination Pass a security investigation Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment tests, including the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA) Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment Have one year of progressively responsible work experience, or a Bachelor's degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience that totals one year The medical requirements are furthermore: Air Traffic Controller candidates must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit and meet standards for vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric health. (and there's a long list on the site for the specifics for each standard)... for example, the first one under eye: Applicants must demonstrate distant and near vision of 20/20 or better in each eye separately. The use of bifocal contact lenses for the correction of near vision is unacceptable. ... It goes on for the training requirements... Entry-level applicants must complete required training courses and spend several months at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Applicants are paid while in training. After graduating the academy, individuals are placed in locations across the country and must gain 2-3 years additional training, both classroom and on-the-job experience, before becoming a certified professional controller. This rigorous training includes close supervision and evaluation by senior controllers that ensures controllers are competent, professional, know their airspace environment and can deal with the pressures and high pace of the job. And the specifics for that can be found at https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_JO_3120.4S_AdminUpdate.pdf https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_JO... with is a 285 page pdf.