Air traffic control graduate fulfills lifelong ambition - la historia de Amaury Velez - TA: the story of Amaury Velez

Hispanic Times Magazine, August-Sept, 1998

He had wanted to be in the field of aviation since childhood. This is the recollection of Puerto Rican born Amaury Velez -- who this summer fulfilled that life-long dream by graduating from the prestigious Minnesota Air Traffic Command Training School.

In order to prepare for the five-month training at the A.T.C. headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota -- Amaury moved to Texas at the completion of his college education, in order to study and become more fluent in English. In addition, he served an internship at the San Juan CERAP, where Puerto Rican air traffic control is operated.

To qualify for the A.T.C. training, prospective students must have completed a two or four-year college education, and have some background in aviation. Some of the young men and women who applied had either ground school or pilot training, or had Air Force experience. And an aptitude test is required.

In Amaury's case, his bachelor's degree from the Inter-American University in Puerto Rico was awarded in Airways Science Management. This proved a desirable requisite.

"Air Traffic Control is interesting and challenging work," he told Hispanic Times; "and the pay is good!" he added.

Upon graduation this summer, Velez was delighted to learn that he will be able to return to Puerto Rico, and has been appointed by the F.A.A. to a position as Air Traffic Controller for Puerto Rico's International Airport.

We asked this outstanding young man for his advice to other young people seeking to pursue meaningful careers. Without hesitation, he responded, "Nothing is impossible in this life. Go for it! Get over the obstacles."

Graduates of the Minnesota Air Traffic Control Training Center will be eligible for nationwide air traffic control positions working for the F.A.A.

Interested men and women may call 800-475-5828 for further information, or visit \ their website at www.metro.mnscu.edu/atctc.