Air Traffic Control Question....?

Question

I have recently been hired to work as a controller in the midwest. I would like to be based in the northeast. In my interview we were told that there is the possiblity of getting our position switched while we were in training. Has anyone gone through this and been successful? Also does anyone know how the staffing situation in Boston center looks? That is where I would like to be and if I turn down my other offer I will be waiting for Boston. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

When I was hired (a long time ago), I was allowed to refuse my first offer, but was told whatever the second offer was would be where I would be assigned, period.  In the good old days the offers where made by phone, so I was able to discuss the situation.  If you can talk to someone in HR you might be able to get a straight answer.

As ATCbuckyBN mentions, centers are receiving large numbers of new-hires.  Guess there's just no shortage of people stupid enough to endure 2-3 years of paid training to earn 90k-100k at the end of the training.  The smart ones are all paying 100k for a teaching degree to earn 1/3 of that.  Geez, quit yer b*****n'

Answer 2

Taking everything into consideration, you would be a fool to turn down one offer before knowing what the other will bring.

Offers to pilots are far and few between. Think it over.

Answer 3

I dont know but what did you do to become an air traffic controller (ie education)

Answer 4

You'd turn down your offer? Huh. OOOOOOOOOOOKAY?

Answer 5

Don't know who gave ATCBucky a thumbs down because he's right. You have to turn down your offer now and reapply and hope that BOS center selects you. I am recently hired and told that it's very rare that once you leave for OKC that you'll get switched. You need to get the location you want before you leave for the academy.

The other reply below ATCBucky is partially wrong. If you applied via the general public instead of CTI you can turn down the offers as many times as you want. Of course down the road if they see you keep turning down offers you may lessen your chances. However, CTI students is limited to only turn down offers 3 times.

I actually was chosen for ATL center and I wanted the tower instead. I got lucky I know some people in the tower and sent a few emails to my contact in OKC about my preference and requested they see about getting me switched. It worked! So you can try some other approaches and they may help you out. The FAA really doesn't want to loose people that have already gone through the whole process so I think they are more likely right now to try to put people where they want to be than to risk you quitting or failing b/c you're unhappy. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Well I am an Air Traffic Controller and I have already turned down two jobs with the FAA.  The difference between you and me is that I am previously qualified controller and I have been contracting for the past year because of the horrible salary that they are offering now controllers with the FAA.  You will have to turn down you offer and then you will have to apply again and hopefully you will get picked up.  Centers are sucking people up as fast as they can right now so your odds of getting picked up are pretty good.