New Controller Facility Placement

[JonnyKnoxville]

How does the FAA place new controllers? I have been told you can request from 1 to 5 states and then they choose where you will be based depending on current vacancies.

Someone else told me all new controllers go to centers because that is where they have the resources to train the newbies.

Is this information correct?

 

[gkrangers]

Centers, TRACONs, and Towers. They are all hurting and you can end up anywhere they need you.

Example...Orlando Tower/TRACON is supposed to have 75 controllers....they have about 54...and will lose a bunch more shortly. They've gotten some CTI students. Can take 2+ years to get certified....so, they are in for a world of hurt over there. Way to go FAA, staffing is totally under control!

 

[Flightjock30]

hate to sound bleak....but with the FAA's current management policy of keeping facilities understaffed and B-scale pay + ATCs retiring in large amounts this is a recipe for disaster. Hence, do not work for the FAA.

 

[gkrangers]

hate to sound bleak....but with the FAA's current management policy of keeping facilities understaffed and B-scale pay + ATCs retiring in large amounts this is a recipe for disaster. Hence, do not work for the FAA.

Yep, an airline career is a much better route.

The only time ATC pay was "really high" was from about 98-03...its still a pretty damn good job.

Its a virtually guaranteed job, with great job security, a very good pension, and good pay.

You get a level 12 out of training and you are set...

 

[Flys4Fun]

It could go either way. I know someone who got hired into an airport in Idaho making just below six-figures. Another was hired into a center and is making training pay (around 38k).

 

[gkrangers]

It could go either way. I know someone who got hired into an airport in Idaho making just below six-figures. Another was hired into a center and is making training pay (around 38k).

Can you explain that?

 

[dickburns]

Can you explain that?

One guy got in before the B scale, the other one didn't.

 

[Flys4Fun]

Can you explain that?

LOL logically? No I cannot explain that.

 

[gkrangers]

LOL logically? No I cannot explain that.

Yeah...so I'm gonna go ahead and discount it.

 

[gkrangers]

The "B" scale is $31,800 plus cost of living % until you are certified.

The only salary above $100,000 is the maximum Level 12 at $104,000, before cost of living and overtime. Level 11 is $95,000 I think.

So basically...if you get into a Level 11 or 12 facility you are in good shape....if you end up in a Level 5 Tower...meh....

 

[DLconnection]

the new "B" scale will pay you $31,900 once you graduate from the academy at OKC. From there you will get pay increases based on the % of training completed. If a person was expecting to make 100k at xyx tower fully checked out, they would start out making 31900. once they complete 25% of total positions at that facility, you will get a small raise. then 50%, 75% then eventually CPC where you will finally get that 100k.


unfortunately there aren't many facilities that will pay you 100k fully checked out under this new B scale. Fully checked out at a level 11 facility will only pay you 67k plus locality. A level 12 is only about 6 grand more.

 

[gkrangers]

the new "B" scale will pay you $31,900 once you graduate from the academy at OKC. From there you will get pay increases based on the % of training completed. If a person was expecting to make 100k at xyx tower fully checked out, they would start out making 31900. once they complete 25% of total positions at that facility, you will get a small raise. then 50%, 75% then eventually CPC where you will finally get that 100k.


unfortunately there aren't many facilities that will pay you 100k fully checked out under this new B scale. Fully checked out at a level 11 facility will only pay you 67k plus locality. A level 12 is only about 6 grand more.

And like I said, once you reach the top of the scale (after so many years of federal service) you max at 104k level 12 and 85 or 95k level 11 (i dont remember which).

 

[Flys4Fun]

Yeah...so I'm gonna go ahead and discount it.

Discount and deny it all you want...its the truth... I'm sorry I can't explain the government's actions, hopefully you'll find the kindness in your heart to forgive me.

 

[Ohh Porterhouse]

I have a friend who is coming right out of the Navy and got hired on with ZID center. He said he will have to start out at that 31,900 but like you all have said as he gets his qualifications his pay will increase. After attaining all his qualifications he will be making a cool 6+ figures. Not bad at all.

 

[gkrangers]

I think prior federal/military service counts towards your pay level. So someone just out of college with no federal service starts at the bottom, but someone with federal or military service takes their pay grade with them...so after they get through training, they jump from 31,900 to whatever their pay grade dictates. I think.