Hiring panels?

RadarContact Scope Dope High Desert TRACON

Dude, to be honest "easy" is pretty much flipping a coin it seems like. Several VRA's got picked up off the last panels, and several of us got passed up while they hired CTI's and OTS's in our states. You're just going to have to figure out if you're in a position to get out of the military and be out of work for 1-2 years while you wait. It's not 100% that you're going to get hired, but it seems like if you have enough time before you turn 31, you'll eventually get hired. If you don't have a savings, or a plan for when you get out, I would probably re-enlist and spend that enlistment saving your a$$ off.

If you're like me and think it's a slam dunk, and have only 2 years after you get out... well, that's another story. Fortunately I do have a degree and a wife with a good job, and a backup plan. Just whatever you do, don't BANK on the FAA for anything.

hotvedt Trusted Member

They don't even have a job up for anything but CTI right now. And I know a quite a few VRA and CTO applicants who are going on a year without an offer.

thatguynamedzach RADAR is where its AT! The Emerald City

I heard the VRA and CTO announcement will be opening back up next month...I'm hope its true...

monica5627 Rookie San Diego

Finally, some news! Got this email today after writing my Congressman:


Monica,

Mark asked me to look into your concerns with the FAA's hiring process. I hope I have good news for you: the FAA informed me that openings under VRA (Veterans Readjustment Act) were suspended while FAA evaluated its needs and its hiring process; therefore, there were only hiring CTIs at the training rate (about 17,000/year).

FAA says that they expect to post openings for Vets under VRA in mid-July at about 37,000/year (plus locality pay, which can add up to 20% to that amount). They expect to review those applications in October of this year.

So, there will shortly be opportunities for trained controllers like yourself - we wish you the best of luck in finding a position! (By the way, I used to be a 3rd Class on the USS America way back in the 1990s)


Good luck,
John

John Wm. Mulcrone
Legislative Director
Congressman Mark Schauer
7th District Michigan

RadarContact Scope Dope High Desert TRACON

I also received a reply from the FAA in writing via a letter to my Congressman. Some of the interesting snippets include:

"All ATCS vacancy announcements were closed at the request of the ATO in February 2010 for revisions to language. The AT-CTI announcement remained open to allow graduating students the opportunity to complete their requirements. We anticipate all ATCS vacancy announcements, except for the general public, to be reopened in July 2010."

And regarding my personal situation (which I'm still striving to get clarification on since it appears to be untrue).

"The Air Traffic Organization (ATO) made no selections on the New Mexico referral list."

and

"Due to the mission critical nautre of the ATCS occupation, numerous procedures have been incorporated into the hiring process to provide ATCS managers with strategic hiring flexibilities. However, be assured that qualified applicants with veterans' preference such as Mr. (my last name) receive priority consideration in hiring in accordance with all Federal and FAA policy and regulations."

Is that just the long winded way of saying.. yeah we consider the vets first, but then toss them aside to hire OTS/CTI at $17k a year? I still want to find out why she is claiming no selections were made under New Mexico when I know at least 2 Stuckmic'ers have TOL's for NM now.

Anyway, just thought I'd share...

lunchbox Asst to Regional Manager Port Orange, FL

When you refer to 17k a year, surely you're referring to the 3-4 months of training. I'm sure they'd much rather not have to train someone and rather just have qualified/already trained people ready to start. Just sayin...

RadarContact Scope Dope High Desert TRACON

Yeah I feel ya... but other than the "pick an applicant out of a hat" method, not much else I can chock it up to. Oh and the reference that Monica's congressman made to hiring the CTI'ers.

Davo Trusted Contributor

While I am not VRA I am a vet and was passed up over several OTS applicants last panel for CA. I do not understand how an OTS would have more "points" to get a job over any vet for a federal job.

NizmoSR20 The Silver Bullet Ft. Worth, Texas!

its easy. As many people that would get a "bonus" they would rather hire people for a cheaper amount rather than VRA's who im' sure wouldn't care about a stupid bonus and just want in. I'm thinking that the FAA is all about Quantity not Quality, not saying all CTI's and OTS's are horrible controllers, but if i was in the FAA hiring panel i'd want less people with more experience. smaller classes with better ideals and candidacy makes better controllers all around. Just my thought, nothing against all who are trying to get in without exp. Just be prepared to wait, i guess that the FAA doesn't care what quals you have or pref you have when they want certain things and dont let anyone know about it... including themselves...

mtlatc Epic Member In a bus down by the river!

Watch for a post coming soon to the VRA fourm, I will talk about how prior experience kicks your ass in OKC.....