wags3539

I haven't checked on this until recently. Thanks for the responses guys. I take the test next week in BWI, so we'll see how it goes.

ZMPCNTR

Hello All...
I'm currently a controller. I was hired back in 2003 and I can tell you that most things haven't changed much. Things with the FAA take a LONG time to be completed. I graduated college in May, and wasn't even called about the job until September. It takes a great deal of patients to wait for, but I personally believe it is well worth the wait. Those of you interested in a career change should also consider this. There is a VERY limited chance you will be placed in the facility of your choosing. New Hires are placed wherever the need is greatest. PLAN TO MOVE, and be aware that you may not get much notice. I received about two weeks notice. They gave me my location to report to, and the date and time to report. Their flexibility is almost NIL as your placement and training is coordinated with a class going to that same facility. All that being said...the job security it pretty solid. The pay is very good, depending on the facility you are sent to. We are currently under what the agency calls a "contract" but what we as controllers know as "imposed work rules". Hopefully that will change shortly. Anyone interested in more info, I will do my best to help.

wags3539

Just finished the test in BWI today. Not sure how I did yet, but for those of you planning on taking it in the future, I would not bother spending much time on the green test prep book. The actual test is so much different, it's almost more of a hindrance then a help. Maybe review the math portion a few times to get your mind accustomed to doing quick math in your head. Not all that difficult, but it would have been a lot nicer with some paper and a pencil.

Anyway, I'm curious as to what time frame I should be looking at to hear from them going this route as opposed to going through an ATCTI school. I've heard anything from 9 months to 1 1/2 years for an interview.

AF driver

Anyone know how often they open the application for off the street hiring. It looks like the only applications open right now are for military experienced controllers

ufgatorpilot

I applied back in July or so when I was miserable at my job (which is not in aviation) and was looking for a change. I finally was contacted about taking the exam in December, but by that time I decided that I was not interested in taking the exam anymore because what I really want to do is fly, not be a controller.

Sometimes the applications are only open to experienced controllers, but just keep checking every day and you'll find one that is open to the public.