Part 2: What does it take to be an Air Traffic Controller?
Before going further, I would like to say that I am posting this series about the rigors of becoming (or not) an Air Traffic Controller in order to hopefully shed a little light on my leaning on the Lord during this process. Thus far I haven’t really stated it in the series, but without the Lord I am nothing and all efforts are for naught. Psalm 28:7 comes to mind:
“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.”
I went into this potential career change with no preparation, and nothing more than an hour’s worth of research on the Interweb. I prayed that if it was in the Lord’s will, that He would see me through it, or at least teach me through failure (not getting the job) what I need to learn. After all, He is the Rabbi. I have no problems staying in my current career path, albeit not exactly exciting and fulfilling, it does provide for the needs of my family and I am grateful for that. Part 2 of this series will cover from 1-FEB-2009 through 7-31-2009.
27-MAR-2009: After I have given up and forgotten about this, I received an email stating that I need to choose my three preferred cities to work in and to choose my career path: Tower, En Route Center, or both to increase my chances. Feeling cocky and ready to be done with this process, I simply put down Indianapolis as my only choice, and En Route only. Frankly, the tower didn’t seem that interesting, and when I looked into En Route it seemed cool so I went for it. I basically flipped a coin, so to speak. I didn’t care one way or the other. On a different note it is funny that I whimsically went through this just in the mood for a career change to something I always had an interest in but no real knowledge of. Some people get a bachelor’s degree, have military experience or both and still can’t get into Air Traffic Control. Here they have all this prior knowledge and keen interest and get left out and here I am flipping coins. That said, I guess I don’t have the job yet. Cost: $0
19-MAY-2009: I received an email from FAA Human Resources stating that I have been selected for Air Route Traffic Control Center in Indianapolis, Indiana ( aka ARTCC or En Route). I have to reply Y or N if I’m interested (YES! YES!). I have to choose from the traditional pre-employment processing, or Pre-Employment Processing Centers (PEPCs). PEPC is an expedited method of processing that includes your interview, security screening, medical evaluation, psychological evaluation and drug test. All at once in five hours sounds great, but once again I’d have to travel up to Chicago on my own dime. No thanks, this crap is getting expensive. If I choose traditional, it will take longer but I will get it all done locally in Indianapolis. Cost $0
21-MAY-2009: The next step is the face to face interview to make sure I am a real person (I guess). I receive an email stating that I will be contacted by Indy ARTCC to schedule my interview. Cost: $0
28-JUN-2009: Indy HR Manager emails me to schedule an interview. I am given a slew of weeks and days to choose from in July and August from 8:30am to 3pm. After much emailing back and forth, Thursday July 9th at 10:00am is selected and agreed upon. Cost: $0
9-JUL-2009: Interview day. I put on a dress shirt, tie, slacks and arrive at ARTCC in time to go through the security checkpoint and get escorted to meet the interviewer. It takes about an hour or so to finish and went well. I had done quite a bit of research on the types of scripted FAA questions that they ask, and I even dug up on the Internet an organizational chart for Indy ARTCC and a new employee handbook with a brief history of the site. It impressed the interviewer dude that I knew all that stuff. Approved to move on. Cost: $2 (gas).
29-JUL-2009: Received an email from FAA human resources with a tentative offer letter. I simply had to print/read/sign it and fax/email it back to them. Easy enough. Wow, could I be getting close?! Think again, nope. Cost: $0
The second 6 months of hiring process expense: $2. Cumulative for first year of process: Much travel, hours of time, and $594.90!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
We (all of the rest of us) are also thankful for the current job providing for us all but want to follow the Lord’s will in whatever He has in store for us. We love you and will support you – no matter what!!