What basic skills are needed to be a successful ATC?

What kind of credentials are needed to become an ATC?

• I know most aspiring pilots become CFI's to defray the cost of training while building hours, but I don't think that's in the cards for me. So I'm considering becoming a ground controller instead. Well, first question, would I get to choose whether I'm an approach/departure or ground or tower controller? Another user mentioned it takes about a year to a year and a half to become an ATC, is that about right? What do you need to do to be hired as one, is there a test you have to pass or something to that effect? Much obliged.

• Answer:

  Flight dispatcher is a completely different profession. In ATC you get to choose placement from available options based upon how well you do. Those at the top of the class get first choice. Those at the bottom get what's left. How to qualify? Read here: http://www.thetracon.com/atcjobs.htm You can learn just about anything you want to know about becoming an ATC specialist either on this site or thru the links provided. It seems to me that if you can't even do a decent web search you might not have the problem-solving skills required. Either that or you need to be a bit less lazy. I'm not trying to be mean, but self-motivation is a big factor. To quote from the website: Requirements To Enter the Job - Applicants for FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist must have the following quantity and kind of experience: General Experience: Progressively responsible experience in administrative, technical or other work which demonstrates potential for learning and performing air traffic control work. A four year college degree can be substituted for the general experience requirement. Specialized Experience: Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility which demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which you are applying. Persons with a four year college degree and a test score of 75.1 or higher on the Air Traffic Controller Aptitude Test will be admitted to controller training at the FAA Academy at Oklahoma City, OK.