Clarification Re: "Referral List"

SammyG Rookie

Does everyone who tested and passed get on the referral list?

Some of what I've been reading seems to imply that some applicants are "weeded out" during the making of the referral list, even before the panels meet to weed out the rest of them.

Is this right? There's a chance that one can be eliminated even BEFORE the panels?

luna75 I am THE Pocket Ninja farmingdale ny

in theory yes, but to be honest no one really knows, technically people should be weeded out as soon as they start to apply, some people may not have the correct amount of work/college credits or experience to qualify so then those people are told they will not be considered and thats the end of that.

now if you have enough work experience/college credits to qualify, you are authorized to take the AT-SAT, you take the exam, get graded either qualified or well qualified and then its all a waiting game from there. Now as to how people get geo pref emails and then placed on the referral list, no one can really say they know UNLESS you work for the FAA or have an inside track.

RdRunnr12 Site Editor

The short answer to what she was trying to say is that if you passed the AT-SAT and met the minimum qualifications, you will make the referral list. Plain and simple.

RFDATM Trusted Member IL

Yes - making the list is based on getting to (via CTI or OTS bids) and passing AT-SAT. VRAs and CTO bids do not require AT-SAT.

Once the geo pref choices are sorted out by states, Air Traffic Operations (ATO) District Managers (2152's) make the actual selections for their ATO Service Area (Eastern, Central, or Western) based on the staffing needs of the facilities. These terminal District Managers are normally the first level supervisor for multiple ATMs/ATCTs (6-8).

luna75 I am THE Pocket Ninja farmingdale ny

now the interesting question is HOW the selections are made. the ATO DM's make the choices for the facilities that need staffing based on what?

For example, the rumor on here for the longest time is that certain facilities are biased & will only want applicants with prior experience{example being N90 in NY, my dream facility or JFK/EWR/LGA snubbing or not wanting to take applicants with no previous experience}

Are AT-SAT scores really looked at or is it just a list of applicants that lumped together with qualified or well qualified scores? Are CTI applicants truly given preference over OTS applicants?

If any of those questions were ever really answered, Im buying my whole academy class and instructors dinner{if I am ever picked up}...lol...

RFDATM Trusted Member IL

There is no bias to it - the certification rate at ATC-12 facilities is not as high for developmentals with no ATC experience as candidates with ATC experience. The stats appear to be about the same as the 1982 -1983 hiring surge.

luna75 I am THE Pocket Ninja farmingdale ny

interesting info, thanks for posting.....