Waiting Time for OTS Hires

Hey guys,

In the next year or so I will be graduating college. I'm currently a business major. I will be applying as an OTS. I know the FAA would like for me to apply 6 months before I graduate. Based on the information from you guys, it's a long process. Therefore, I wouldn't be going straight to the academy right afterward school. What would you guys suggest, picking up a stabile job thats on salary or an hourly job where I can get out easier? Basicly, for those who are in the same situation, what are you guys doing while waiting togo to OKC?

To be honest with you man i applied February '08 and I'm graduating in December. The earlier the better. Cause it's looking like I won't go to OKC until January/February of '09. So - I'd say apply at the next announcement.

I'm in the same boat that you are. I graduated college in may of 2008 and applied PUBNAT 2 about the same time. It was a huge mistake. I knew that the hiring process was long but had no idea it took this long. I am currently working an hourly job because i think it would be pointless to take a job on, start training, and then say oh yeah i'm out of here in three months. Im just waiting it out on a daily basis. My advice to you would be to apply early.

May-Applied Pubnat 2
July 15th-At-Sat taken (well-qualified)
August 18th-Geograpgical Preferences
September-made referral list
Today-waiting around like the last five months

I was in your shoes about a year ago. I graduated from a CTI school, but they didn't send my information to the FAA right away. I graduated in Aug. 2007, took my test in March and am just getting to the academy now (October). I ended up getting a full time salaried job for the last year cause I wasn't sure how this process would turn out. You should not compromise your living situation, but you might want to let your employer know your intentions. There is a chance after all that they might not take you if you fail some of the pre-screening requirements.

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ZDC bound

I'm OTS, I applied Febuary 2008 and start Basics on October 22. So doing the obvious math (and I think I went relatively quickly) it was almost a 9 month process. At my PEPC in memphis in July they gave me my TOL and an estimated starting date of January 2009, but that got moved way up thankfully. I've been done with school for about 6 years and am already in a stable job so I have just continued to work it out. I personally think you should take the best offer out there that you can get. Nothing's guaranteed with this in my opinion. There's always what if's, and if you for some medical reason or whatever other reason did not get accepted at least you are already in a stable situation with the way the economy is going right now. That is tough because most of us don't like to knowingly take advantage of a company, but I would do what's best for you until you get that FOL.

I was OTS, I applied Feb 2008, I graduated in May2008. Like everyone says, Apply as soon as possible. I had to pick up an hourly job because from May - Oct 2nd I had nothing to do. I started Oct 2nd and I am loving it. So the sooner you apply the better I would say.

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View My OKC Life Blog
02/15/2008: Applied
02/16/2008: Authorized AT-SAT:
03/21/2008: AT-SAT Score 100
05/02/2008: Listed Email
06/20/2008: TOL: Congratulations. You have been chosen for... position at the Atlanta ARTCC in Hampton, GA.
06/20/2008: Slated: Memphis PEPC 7/21/2008
06/25/2008: Conformation: Memphis PEPC 7/21/2008
07/21/2008: PEPC in Memphis, 1100 to 1645.
08/19/2008: Oct 2nd OKC

I'll toss in my agreement that you apply as soon as possible. The FAA has been known to allow deferrals for graduation in the past.

As far as a job goes, yes, plan on getting something else. I'm actually working two right now -- one is as a server, which I don't plan to keep long term, and the other is more of a career which I could see myself staying in if something falls through.

As you've gathered, the wait is frustrating. It's difficult to make plans for a career without knowing for months whether or not you'll even make it past the first few steps. Having some sort of backup is smart, and you'll need an income to keep you going during the wait.

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Applied PUBNAT3/4/5/6 - May 31, et al.
AT-SAT - Aug. 14

I applied August of '07 and I'm going to be starting at OKC Jan of '09. Very long process for me. I did just apply for a statewide announcement as the wife and son want to stay somewhat close to family. It may have been shorter if it were a national announcement, but I'm not sure.

Aaron

I second the sentiment that you'll need a job (or two...) in the meantime. Preferably, the best-paying and most enjoyable one, for obvious reasons. The wait is frustrating, but definitely worth the reward of a stable, and dynamic career.

I applied in the Spring, and if selected, I likely won't be in OKC until next Summer or Fall, depending on how packed the Academy is, so once you do apply, assume there'll be about a year and a half of a wait.