rlh724

My test is scheduled for this coming monday the 19th. Are there any other commercial pilots doing this for a career change?

mjarosz

I put my stuff in yesterday. We'll see how that works out.

hemaybedid

My AT-SAT is on Nov. 4th. I'm a furloughed regional guy. It could work out if nothing else pans out.

hurricanechaser

I have an AT-SAT scheduled for Oct 27th at Holtsville, NY.

crazyjaydawg

Just got the email today, test scheduled for Nov 20

GolfKilo

Best of luck to all you guys on your upcoming At-SAT test. I'm retired ATC and all I can tell you is it's well worth the wait. I retired after 27 years ATC service, including 4 years as an instructor at the Academy and look back on my ATC years with fond memories (not to mention the excellent pension!!!!). The good stuff far outweighs the negative, especially in the areas of compensation and job security. In fact, I had so much fun that 27 years went by in a flash!

My advice to all that are serious ATC candidates is, don't get caught up in all the "union side crap". Enjoy your career, provided for your families and enjoy retirement!!!

ProudPilot

The only thing I'm frustrated on is I got cleared to take the test in Chicago. I'm in North Dakota, and Grand Forks, ND is listed on the application as a testing site. Called FAA career services, seems like they don't have a clue about what the application has on it... or where North Dakota was for that matter.

TonyWilliams

Ya, that "union crap" got three years of B scale for new hires reversed on Oct 1 of this year. In the past three years, new hires have joined the union at almost 100%, so it seems they were plenty interested in the "crap".

I suspect things in the future will be much like they have been since the Sept 1998 contract (with the notable exception of FAA imposed unilateral work and pay rules, Sept 3, 2006 to Sept 30, 2009), so hopefully it won't be the grind that it has been for many.

But, I recommend being vigilant. I won't blow the roses and butterflies up your 6, like some might. It's a job. With all the government BS. But, certainly good pay for the job, and as was stated, good benefits. Unlike changing crews every day / few days in the pilot world, you're going to work with the same folks for, perhaps, decades. Even the *ssholes.

No more jumpseats, travel benefits... or TSA !!!!

lakehouse

for those who got contact to take the test, when did you apply, and how did they contact you mail/email/phone?

the King

I applied in June when there was an job posting wanting people with no experience. You apply through the FAA's website setup called ASAP (how ironic). In September, the FAA sent me an email telling me to schedule my AT-SAT during October (there was a range of dates and it was up to you to pick your favorite). I took my test today in Peachtree City, GA (a four+ hour ride) instead of Memphis, which I think I requested.

The AT-SAT itself was surprisingly easy. The first sections are a breeze for a pilot since they involve reading instruments, scanning, and mental math (time, speed, distance stuff) that we use every day. The middle sections are tougher since you can't really prepare for them. Once you get in a flow, it wasn't bad at all, and I even enjoyed some of the Air Traffic Scenarios.

I finished the test in a little over 4 hours, including just one 10 minute break. You have 8 hours and are free to come and go as you please for breaks, but I was feeling good, so I didn't really want to drag it out. There was one other guy there who was a pilot (I worked with him previously). He actually finished before me, probably in about 3.5 hours or so.

We were told to expect our results within 10 days and that they would be posted on our ASAP page (where you apply at). I'll let you know when I have some more info.