PLEASE HELP...Need Insight

NY ATC Newcomer

Ok here is my situation. I took the ATCer test off the street about a year ago. I passed everything went through I received a job offer at ZNY (new york center ? level 12 facility). I am currently a police officer with 3yrs on the force, right now where I am top pay is 100grand, I also receive unlimited sick time, benefits for life (after I retire as well), 20yr retirement at 50%. If I should ever get sick and I?m out for a yr lets say I will be at home getting paid because of my unlimited sick no questioned asked. So now I have a decision to make do I take this ATC job and try it out or not. I love aviation as well, I been flying airplanes since I been 14yrs old. But my main concern is I know the wash out rate is very high at ZNY and that could be me (lets just say its that possibility) and I could lose everything I have now just for trying out this new job. Also what would happen lets say I have 10-15yrs on as a Air Traffic Controller and I can no longer pass an FAA medical, do they fire me am I out of a job, do I get a pay cut, etc. I guess what I?m asking is any insight on what you would do if you were in my shoes, etc. If anyone is out that that is an ATCer and was a former police officer your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again?

ATCBOY Trusted Member Screwston

I was never a cop but.. WOW, $100 G's to be a cop! All you do is 20 years to get 50% retirement.

killswitch Tin Pusher Ohio

The only thing I can offer is what my father always told me...

"Do something you love for a living, and you'll never work a day in your life."

And for the past 20 years, he hasn't worked. That's what I want. ATC for me, I believe is going to be that. But is that what it'll be for you? You can always fly planes. If you love your job, don't leave. If you wake up every monday morning dragging yourself in to catch the baddies, hop on the FAA train!

(BTW, I may become a cop good Lord! That's some crazy benefits!)

ATCBOY Trusted Member Screwston

Yeah I was pulled over a few months ago but the guy ended up letting me go with a warning.

alvareze82 Rookie Miami, FL

id have to agree with everything thats been said. dont come into this for the money, its not going to happen overnight. if you have a family to support, really take that into consideration, its a pretty big pay cut from what you are getting right now.

only reason why im gunning for this is cause this is pretty much what i love to do and its something i wont get bored doing, which i tend to get bored very easily.

i would talk with your department to see if theyll let you come back if it turns out ATC is not for you. if you decide that you cant make the change, you can still enjoy ATC in other ways and still do what you do. there are various online simulations these days for instance that simulate Air Traffic Control even with live virtual pilots flying theyre flight simulators.

opie stepchild ATL

what about an extended leave of absence from the police force to try it out. that should keep your pay grade and seniority with the force. you'll need about 4 years (maybe less, maybe more) to check out at ZNY. not sure if they will let you leave for that long.

but hey, life is full of risks. you should do a pro/con chart.

NY ATC Newcomer

Well thank you very much for your input and more would be greatly appreciated. Don't get me wrong the Money with ATC is great and I know it takes time to get there but I wouldn't be doing it just for the money. I went today to go visit my facility and It all seems great and actually fun to a certain extent but I know its extremely alot of work to get to be fully certified, its definitely no joke. With overtime with my current job I could probably make 120grand at top pay, can anyone explain the minimum and maximum pay bands for ATC how you you obtain maximum, etc. And any other insight on my original problem would help also, thanks again

NY ATC Newcomer

Sorry forgot to mention yes I can take a leave from my current job as long as I give them 6 weeks notice and the leave is only good for One Year. I would be able to get back on the force but not guaranteed my same schedule or same precinct.

Ammolite Unregistered

Washouts at ZNY? Where...?

Ammolite Unregistered

Average time for check-out at ZNY is 2-2.5 years.