New guy, needs tons of help

bobbyhartley Newcomer

I separated from the Air Force, where I was a controller for 4 years at Nellis, back in November of 2007. I applied for about 10 openings under VRA and never got a single email or anything back, so I gave up. I sought alternate employment and have ended up in a job I hate. I have started looking more into the FAA as a possibility, and just applied to a VRA listing on faa.gov.

I filled out the application, updated contact information, resume, etc. I called the HR rep listed on the announcement to ask for advice or pointers or what else I could possibly do to ensure my selection and he was of no help. He said the VRA committee would meet at the end of this month and make selections. He said he could not tell me what regions were looking for VRA hires or anything of the sort.

I am kinda at a loss of what to do. I loved being a controller and want desperately to get back into this field of work. I wish there was more I could do than fill out an online application and cross my fingers.

I guess, in short, I am asking for advice or pointers or a stern voice to tell me to calm down. I feel helpless right now, not something I am used to after having been a controller and loving it. Please help!

irishcarbomb Moderator Houston, TX

there really is not much else you can do with the FAA other than fill out the app and wait...

GeorgeM Trusted Member CO

That is a problem. Good controllers want to be in control, and applicants have no control over the FAA hiring process. That's why there's so much frustration here in the ATC forums.

Radium Epic Member SoCal Tracon

welcome to the waiting game.

By the way, tell EZ I said whats up.

Make sure to read the application pointers listed on this site in various spots... because maybe you put down bad answers, or put it in bad form (you kinda have to ZAZZ it up like writing an EPR).

Best of luck ^_^

haystack510 Junior Member Fremont, CA

Go contract in the meantime, its better to stay current and make good money while waiting. Also call the FAA, I believe theres a phone number on the bottom of the ASAP app that you can call. Back when I applied I called the number a few months after I applied, then called again a few months after that. It may of helped, may not of.

Davo Trusted Contributor VT

For the original poster: are you over the age of 31? With military control time and 10 panels I imagine you have to be cutting it close unless you are retired. Are you picking the same states every panel? I hope you get in; don't give up if it is your passion.

bobbyhartley Newcomer

No, I am 25. I got out at 23. I dont know how many panels have met, as I was pretty clueless until I found this site. I applied a lot though.

I dont know how to 'go contract' exactly. I am not CTO certified, as I was a RAPCON controller (actually NATCF is what we called it at Nellis).

Any more advice would be awesome. Thanks guys.

Also, I see posts after mine saying people have received emails about their possible selection for a class date. Should I have already heard something about this?

Nick Senior Member Down Yonderville, TX

If you have no CTO then contract tower is not an option, but DOD is. I dont know much about FAA hiring procedures anymore, but I know that if you make yourself known at the facility you want work at, especially if it's not a highly sought after facility, you will have better chance. Management does have pull. I've seen it happen.