Update July 10

The first round of AT-SA invite emails has begun. Check your emails!

Update May 5

The bid is live. CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Update May 4

The bid goes live tonight at 12:01 eastern. I’ll post a link to the application here once it’s available.

Update April 24

For those wanting to know what to do now, you can go ahead and make a profile on USAJobs and create your resume using the resume builder tool (highly recommended). The job posting will be under series 2152 and titled “Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee”, but you won’t see it until it goes live on May 5. Again, I’ll update this thread with a direct link to the application once it goes live to make it easy.

Keep sending questions my way. I’ll answer everyone eventually!

Update 2 April 22

I’m still answering all my DMs and any questions here. Same as always, I’ll keep updating this post over the next 2 weeks, and will have a direct link to the application posted here once it goes live. Feel free to keep engaging here, and I’ll also be posting updates over on r/ATC_Hiring

Update April 22

Just waking up, seeing a lot of questions now. I’ll start combing through and get back to everybody!

Also feel free to sub to r/ATC_Hiring . I made that sub a few years ago to be a place for people to keep in touch while going through the hiring process.

Proof

I’ve been doing AMA’s for these “off the street” hiring announcements since 2018. Since they always gain a lot of interest, I’m back for another one. I’ve heard back from hundreds of people (if not thousands at this point) over the past few years who saw my posts, applied, and are now air traffic controllers. Hopefully this post can reach someone else who might be looking for a cool job which happens to also pay really well.

Check out my previous AMAs for a ridiculous amount of info:

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

** This year the application window will open from May 5 - May 8 for all eligible U.S. citizens.**

Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (Required for males born after 12/31/1959) 

• Must be age 30 or under on the closing date of the application period (with limited exceptions)

• Must have either three years of general work experience or four years of education leading to a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of both

• Must speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment

- Be willing to relocate to an FAA facility based on agency staffing needs

START HERE to visit the FAA website and read up on the application process and timeline, training, pay, and more. Here you will also find detailed instructions on how to apply.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Let’s start with the difficult stuff:

The hiring process is incredibly arduous. After applying, you will have to wait for the FAA to process all applications, determine eligibility, and then reach out to you to schedule the AT-SA. This process typically takes a couple months. The AT-SA is essentially an air traffic aptitude test. The testing window usually lasts another couple months until everyone is tested. Your score will place you into one of several “bands”, the top of which being “Best Qualified.” I don’t have stats, but from my understanding the vast majority of offer letters go to those whose scores fall into that category.

If you receive and accept an offer letter (called a Tentative Offer Letter, or TOL) you will then have to pass medical and security clearance, including:

• Drug testing

• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI2)

• Class II medical exam

• Fingerprinting

• Federal background check

Once you clear the medical and security phase you will receive a Final Offer Letter (FOL) with instructions on when/where to attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK.

Depending on which track you are assigned (Terminal or En Route), you will be at the academy for 3-4 months (paid). You will have to pass your evaluations at the end in order to continue on to your facility. There is a 99% chance you will have to relocate. Your class will get a list of available facilities to choose from based solely on national staffing needs. If you fail your evaluations, your position will be terminated. Once at your facility, on the job training typically lasts anywhere from 1-3 years. You will receive substantial raises as you progress through training.

All that being said:

This is an incredibly rewarding career. The median pay for air traffic controllers in 2021 was $138,556 (I don’t have the number from 2022). We receive extremely competitive benefits and leave, and won’t work a day past 56 (mandatory retirement, with a pension). We also get 3 months of paid parental leave. Most controllers would tell you they can’t imagine doing anything else. Enjoying yourself at work is actively encouraged, as taking down time in between working traffic is paramount for safety. Understand that not all facilities are well-staffed and working conditions can vary greatly. But overall, it’s hard to find a controller who wouldn’t tell you this is the best job in the world.

Please ask away in the comments and/or my DMs. I always respond to everyone eventually. Good luck!