Desperate for Controllers, FAA Begins Recruiting On MySpace

[Matt Molnar]

NY Post:

FAA KIDS ARE IN 'CONTROL'
DESPERATE FEDS WOOING HIGH-SCHOOLERS
Last updated: 6:17 am
July 14, 2008
Posted: 3:43 am
July 14, 2008

The FAA has offered an unprecedented $100,000 bonus to air-traffic controllers throughout the country to lure them to the New York area's five understaffed radar centers - and has even begun trolling local high schools to recruit for the jobs.

The FAA began its recruitment efforts in high schools and through online ads on MySpace and Craigslist because of a severe staffing shortage and lack of experience among workers at its air-control towers.

One recent hire is a 20-year-old who is now reading the scopes for the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) center in Westbury, LI, officials said. [Full Article]

[cancidas]

looks like i picked one hell of a time to join the FAA! can't wait...

[stuart schechter]

In two years, I will be one of those statistics! Woohoo!

[Matt Molnar]

Does the $100,000 bonus apply only to existing controllers in other parts of the country, or do new ones get it too? I can't find anything about a bonus on their site.

Looking at the entry level openings, it's no wonder there is a shortage in New York...they promise that eventually you can make over $100K, but you start at only $37K to $43K...borderline livable wage in the NYC metro area, and pretty low for someone with the qualifications they require.

[moose135]

Does the $100,000 bonus apply only to existing controllers in other parts of the country, or do new ones get it too? I can't find anything about a bonus on their site.

From the Post article:

Thirty trained controllers have already accepted the Federal Aviation Administration's offer of a $27,000, one-time bonus to move to New York, plus another $75,000 paid over four years.

[Matt Molnar]

Oh, I should probably read the articles I post. :)

[Lezam]

Wow, a 20 year old on tracon? I wonder if they hired him straight off vatsim :lol:

[njgtr82]

Wow, a 20 year old on tracon? I wonder if they hired him straight off vatsim :lol:

I havn't heard of any new hires actually receiving this yet and the problem for the transfers is that they would now go into the new pay scale. That would mean less pay to work at a busier facility. Also it takes a few years for guys to get qualified at the center and tracon.

[NYARTCCFAN]

Is there a max age limit ????

[njgtr82]

Is there a max age limit ????

yes must be hired before you turn 31

[PHL Approach]

Is there a max age limit ????

yes must be hired before you turn 31

To tack on the reason why it's 31. 25 years of federal service is required before the retirement age of 56.