OTS hire for MDW

zdoubek Rookie Chicago

Hey everyone, I'm really startin to get into this whole stuckmic thing. I've got a lot of good info so far. I've been waiting to start at midway for ever. I actually applied in the June of 2007 PUBNAT, took the AT-SAT in January of 2008 and got my TOL for MDW May 22nd, 2008. I was given two class dates, and turned down both of them because I wanted to go back to my last year of school and graduate. I graduated from Kent State May 16th, 2009 and I was told to just tell the FAA when I was gonna graduate and they'll give me a date. Turns out that by that time MDW was full for FY09, so I've been pushed back to FY10, and I am dying to go to OKC. I know most of my waiting is my own damn fault, but I figured I'd share my story with you guys here...See if anyone has any similar stories? Thanks for the good post so far!

Rosstafari Daaaang. /X

Most of the PUBNAT1 guys have gone through the Academy, like you said, but there are a few lingering around. Right now, you'll be starting around the same time as PUBNAT5/6 (and the corresponding CTI and VRA groups).

Welcome, by the way.

CrisAlly2007 Newcomer

That's really weird that you had to wait so long. I'm a Developmental at MDW. I applied in February 2008, and had a TOL by August. They gave me an Academy date of February 2009, and there was another guy in my class also going to MDW. Surprised they didn't offer you an Academy date around then. Good luck tho!

CrisAlly2007 Newcomer

Oops...just saw u graduated May 09. Disregard.

Knowlton Junior Member Dallas/Fort Worth

welcome to stuck mic and don't feel bad you turned down dates... I have turned down 3 dates so far and now am waiting on FY2010 dates to be assigned. I was in a bit a of a different sitaution though.... I am overseas as a contractor working as an Air Traffic Controller for the military. If I would have left for the first date I was giving I would be out of $35,000 soo you do the math.... waiting a few extra months already paid for itslef... well, have fun posting and any questions don't hesitate to ask

zdoubek Rookie Chicago

I'm glad I'm not the only one that turned down a date...there were parts of me that thought it was really stupid to do so, but I'm still glad I got my degree. Of course it would have been nice to make decent money working, instead of spending 20 grand to finish my degree and slaving through another year of college. I am pretty jealous that you are still controlling traffic. I can't wait to start controlling, even just working with the sims in OK city. The company OK city used for their sims came to Kent and demo'd their tower sim, and I swear I spent almost all day in there...showing up late to classes to get more sim time...Oh well I guess I'll go when I go.

Knowlton Junior Member Dallas/Fort Worth

I'm glad I'm not the only one that turned down a date...there were parts of me that thought it was really stupid to do so, but I'm still glad I got my degree. Of course it would have been nice to make decent money working, instead of spending 20 grand to finish my degree and slaving through another year of college. I am pretty jealous that you are still controlling traffic. I can't wait to start controlling, even just working with the sims in OK city. The company OK city used for their sims came to Kent and demo'd their tower sim, and I swear I spent almost all day in there...showing up late to classes to get more sim time...Oh well I guess I'll go when I go.

Yea, I everyone was telling me I was crazy for doing that, but this is a career move and I want to go when I am ready and when I have everything in order. I am also spending this time to get dual certified, so actually the longer the FAA takes to pick me up the more ratings and money I can get. For you: think in the long run you will have a leg up as far as pay and career advancement by having an actual degree. Don't be jealous your time will come to pump some J's and remember the sims are NOTHING like real traffic