DOD to FAA

STLATCER Rookie

I have a question,

I applied under the VRA and got a TOL in March of 2009. Then While I was waiting I got hired at a USAF base doing ATC for the DOD, I will end up being here for at least 52 weeks before I attend the academy. My question is, do I still have to attend the academy since I will have 52 weeks ATC with the Federal Gov't? Just curious?

markthetape Senior Member

yes im going,same thing

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

but you go to your facility as D3. flipping sweet.

markthetape Senior Member

no you dont you go as d1

Howard2128 Newcomer Temecula, CA

You will make your same base pay your making now and yes you will go to the Academy

STLATCER Rookie

thats kind of what I thought,

do they consider your base pay the amount with the SSR or without, since they don't really call it your locality.

thanks for the replies.

markthetape Senior Member

no just base

SkylinesSuck Senior Member asleep at work

Just curious, what's making you bail on DoD for FAA? Will you be making a lot more $ or something? I just got picked up for a DoD slot and I'll be making a pretty good amount including housing and stuff---more than most FAA facilities. Just wondering if I should consider the same.

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

I know a few guys that went from FAA to DOD and they both said they wish that they had switched sooner because they had better working condtions, more pay, and were a lot happier with their work schedules.

So I guess you need to really sit down and weigh the differences and determine whether it is better to go FAA or stay on as DOD.

markthetape Senior Member

If you like to work traffic and have potential at making 140k without being a supervisor go faa, but if you want a stable work schedule and are content at gs11 or 12 pay with little to no traffic go dod. Anybody that has a liking for air traffic usually goes FAA.