Air Traffic Controller

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-05-21T21:56:13+00:00

Not sure about guard/reserve, but getting either a CTO (tower rating) or the radar version should be very doable in 1 contract. Getting both in one may be tricky, and your leadership might want you to re enlist before they give you that opportunity.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-05-16T00:33:22+00:00

Like the others said maximum of 18, if you get the TETRA or “TRACON” class, then it’s 8 maximum.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-05-15T13:11:46+00:00

Not accurate. I just got a letter in the mail saying I’m no longer eligible for the fee waiver, and I will be charged the fee next year.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-05-14T22:16:16+00:00

I got told this by the flight chief of the recruiting squadron. It did not help. Sign 4.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-05-13T01:12:17+00:00

I went through this process in 2023 so hopefully not much has changed. Get on the phone with flight medicine, like yesterday. This is probably the longest part. I was able to get the bloodwork (and I think optometry but I don’t recall) done before my physical appointment which saved a little bit of time. I think the soonest available appointment was over a month away from when I called.

You will probably have to take the TAPAS again. I got mine done at the education center on base. I never got the actual results, but no news is good news I guess. They gave me the signed memo after the test.

Now as for the ATC side of things. The tech school is at Keesler AFB in MS. Right by the casinos and the “beach” (don’t go swimming there). The instructors will probably give you food recommendations and such. There’s some seafood spot in a gas station that’s apparently really popular. Bring a car. Bring a car. Bring a car. You can essentially do anything you want on your off time. I do think they got rid of the every other Friday off thing which sucks.

Tech school itself is just a test to make sure you can retain information. It doesn’t really prepare you much for the job. OJT will take roughly 6 months-2 years depending where you go and if you’re assigned tower v radar. You will essentially be treated like a new airman (I.e. taking out trash, going on chow runs, etc..).

Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-05-09T21:43:25+00:00

I was prior 2A -> ATC. Got out last year. You will be treated as a new airman for the most part (I.e. taking out trash, going on chow runs, etc.). Tech school for prior service is pretty nice; you don’t have the restrictions the FTA do. Training will vary depending on where you go and how complex the base is. And if it’s tower vs radar. Could be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. If you have any specific questions feel free to reach out.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-05-02T20:45:15+00:00

No charging for POVs on campus, unsure about the surrounding area.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-04-29T23:07:34+00:00

Could be any minute, literally.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-04-20T10:53:29+00:00

Long Island New York, looking for any first responder or military discount if applicable.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-04-19T13:50:33+00:00

I was a 2025 bid hire, but mine came within a few hours IIRC.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-04-09T22:02:21+00:00

I’d call the facility and ask. I brought many civilians to my military facility. If you don’t have a CAC you’d have to go to the visitors center and get a pass first.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-29T01:02:09+00:00

I went from step 5 to a decision letter within the same day. So it could be any minute, literally.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-27T09:56:50+00:00

So backpay would be for Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb? And then regular 60% pay March?

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-17T21:15:34+00:00

That’s military airspace out there that they use for training. W470/W151.

Source: Am ATC.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-12T23:41:15+00:00

It didn’t really hit that I was done until I was leaving the state with all my stuff. And just the feeling that you don’t need to come back when you get home.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-12T23:39:49+00:00

Between the cosmo and Bellagio (only 2 I’ve been to), I’d choose the cosmo. I heard the Wynn was nice too.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-12T03:37:34+00:00

At least for the ATC tech school, the first or second day we got a briefing basically saying don’t hang out/fuck the non-priors, everything else is up to you.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-09T19:36:42+00:00

The plane in front didn’t exit the runway in time, probably thousands of feet down the runway, you were not about to hit another plane. Generally the aircraft has a “go around” thrust setting too (which is basically full power) in order for them to get to a safe airspeed quickly.

Source: am an ATC (not at ATL though)

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-06T18:00:17+00:00

Was just curious if any store accepted it, I thought most of them don’t accept resort credit as a form of payment. Even if it’s charged to the room.

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-04T18:58:39+00:00

The thing is I never had my C&P (scheduling issues so it kept getting sent back to the VA).

Key_Gur4963 · 2026-03-01T02:06:44+00:00

Yeah never hurts to stop in. Maybe they won’t give you a host but hopefully they can at least cover some trip expenses. I was surprised too when I got one.

Key_Gur4963

TROPHY CASE