FAA Hiring Process and Timeline

Since receiving the initial phone call to schedule my interview with the FAA, the process has been a whirlwind of appointments and tedious paperwork. Now that I’m less than four weeks from heading to the academy, I feel sufficiently able summarize the experience. First, here is an overview of my career timeline as it stands now:

Getting in the Door

My first application was unsuccessful; most likely because it was unplanned and rushed. Also, the FAA prefers not to offer jobs to military members while they are still on active duty. I was much better prepared for the second application by ensuring my resume looked pristine and also by double-checking all required paperwork. Still, I watched as other members on StuckMic posted about being selected. After a few members were selected from the same states I chose, and with my 31st birthday rapidly approaching, it was time to be more proactive.

My first letter went out to my district Representative. I also wrote my Senator, any connections I had in the FAA as well as NATCA. Before writing, I performed a little research on my congressmen/women to tie in any connections they had to the FAA, aviation industry or to military veterans. In the end, I am not sure if any of the letters helped my situation. What I know for sure: I received an interview mere days before my 31st birthday and a Tentative Offer Letter (TOL) the day after my interview. There was obviously some sort of rush linked to my paperwork. Here are a two samples of letters I wrote.

Sample Letter #1          Sample Letter #2

The Interview

There is not much I can tell you about the interview that has not already been covered in the StuckMic Interview Guide. Prepare for the interview, but relax. More than anything, it is a formality. I am pretty sure you can not screw it up unless you punch the interviewer in the face. Dress appropriately, answer the questions, and wait for your TOL to arrive in your inbox.

The TOL

Due to my rapidly approaching birthday, my TOL was rushed and a little sloppy. It involved multiple emails through three different people in HR. Typically a new hire will receive a single email from their HR representative. This email “package” contains the TOL, numerous forms and instructions for HR and Security (background check), as well as instructions to schedule all necessary appointments (urinalysis, flight physical, and MMPI). Everything is electronic except the fingerprint cards which arrive via USPS. The email also contains a list of deadlines for each document or appointment. From my experience, these are soft deadlines. HR was flexible with me around the holidays and even let me complete my MMPI in a different state than my residence.

The Waiting

There is no way around this one. Most of my waiting was after the TOL, but it could come at any stage in the hiring process. Responses from HR representatives are hit and miss so I felt in the dark a lot of the time. Eventually I figured out there was an issue with my medical clearance (as described in a previous post). Once that was straightened out, all was good again. Compared to most applicants/new hires, my waiting time was relatively short.

The FOL and Class Date

Shortly after my clearances were finished in late-May 2011, my HR rep called to schedule a class date. I did not receive my FOL until five weeks prior to my class date. From what I have read, that is pretty normal. Aside from the FOL itself, the FOL package includes a welcome letter and instructions on how to navigate through the online Entrance on Duty system (EODs). EODs is filled with another series of forms to fill out and pages upon pages of information on benefits.

Next Steps

Sometime between now and my class date I should receive some more information from my HR rep about what to expect next. Since I know my class date, I have already made reservations in Oklahoma City to stay at Walnut Gardens. There’s not much else to do except start packing.

Firm Offer Letter

I received the following FOL on June 30th, 2011:
___________________________________________________________________________________


Dear Mr. Harris:


I am pleased to extend the following firm employment offer to you:

      Position: Air Traffic Control Specialist, AT-2152-EC
     Option: Terminal
     Type of Appointment: Excepted Appointment NTE 13 months;
     full-time, temporary
     Salary: $42,319 per annum, which includes 14.16% locality pay
     Effective: August 8, 2011

You are required to attend initial air traffic training at the FAA Academy located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, beginning August 8, 2011. Classes will be in session for approximately 37 classroom days.

During this temporary appointment, you will earn annual and sick leave. You will also be eligible for other federal benefits to include; health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, as well as participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, which is similar to a 401K.

You can expect to receive information from the FAA Academy on travel arrangements and lodging available in the Oklahoma City area before you are scheduled to report to the FAA Academy. Please read this packet of information thoroughly. For information regarding housing, per diem, and other student information visit the website at http://www.academy.faa.gov/ama100. You are encouraged to make your lodging arrangements as soon as possible since space is limited in some locations.

We are required by law to verify proof of identity and employment eligibility. When you report to the FAA Academy, it is important that you bring a picture I.D. (state driver’s license, military I.D., passport), and your original Social Security Card, birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship. Photocopies of these documents do not meet the requirement of the law. In addition, if you have any other Federal civilian or military service, please bring proof of that service with you.

Upon successful completion of this initial training at the FAA Academy and all other requirements for continuing employment, including all evaluations required by the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), you may be converted to a permanent position:

     Position: Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal), AT-2152-EC
     Salary: $52,427 per annum, which includes 14.16% locality pay
     Duty Location: FAA Binghamton ATCT/TRACON
     Binghamton Regional Airport 2534 Airport Rd Box 17
     Johnson City, NY 13790
     Type of Appointment: Excepted-Conditional; full-time,
     permanent.


Probationary Period: All permanent hires are required to complete a one-year probationary period from the effective date of their appointment unless the probationary period has been satisfied previously in accordance with FAA HRPM EMP-1.4, New Hire Probationary Period.

You will be granted one workday for travel to your assigned facility upon successful completion of FAA Academy training. You are not authorized payment of moving expenses.

When you report to your assigned facility, you will be in a developmental training status until you attain Certified Professional Controller status. You will receive salary increases as you complete each required developmental phase. As a condition of continuing employment, you will be required to successfully complete air traffic controller training and obtain facility ratings within uniformly applicable time limits. Failure to do so will result in separation from the FAA.

If you are not interested in this position, please contact me immediately. You may also contact me if you have any questions. Welcome to the FAA!