Expert: Dacus T. Grant - 9/5/2007

Question
I've recently been selected to take the AT-SAT test. I would be consider as an
off the street hire(if i pass the test). I'm 25 with a BBA, but I'm looking for a
career change. I came across FAA application , filled it out and now it's time
to take the test (in 2 weeks). The problem is the more and more I research on
ATC as a career the more questions arise. I was so excited to know I've been
selected to take the test but all of the information on the web about the FAA
is a little disheartening. I came across this website called faafollies.com. They
bring up  issue like salary lies, non union backing and computers taking ATC
jobs.

I will be taking the test, just because I'm an opportunist which is in LA and I
live in NYC but moving to OKC to go to school and then whatever airport they
decide to put me in (i think Hawaii) is a MAJOR decision. I just wanted to give
you a little background before I ask my questions.

Do you know what's on the AT-SAT test ? Do you know anyone who got hired
"off the street" or is this just wishful thinking?

Is starting salary really $25k a year (during training) and then $32K your first
year after that ( which a feel to be ridiculous for such an important job) ? In
my research there are stories of trainees signing up for government
assistance because they can't afford to live while being a trainee and the FAA
now making trainees sign a document stating they can't apply for gov't
assistance.

Is  there really a good chance to make over $100k doing this job? Is a
faafollies.com a truthfully site in your opinion ?

Thank you in advance for any answers. I have some much more to ask but I
don't want to take too much of your time. I really appreciate help, time and
for keeping traveling on an airplane so safe.

Answer
Hi,
    I wish that I could be of more help but I am as confused as you are right now.  First on the pay, the FAA pay bands are  listed at http://jobs.faa.gov/paybandrates.htm  This is the basic pay pay for a CPC in each of these types of facilities.  This does not include locality pay.  Go to the FAA web site and search for locality pay to find what the locality pay is for the area you are interested in.    To see a listing of job openings for some facilities go to http://jobs.faa.gov/Allfaajobs.htm Under series type 2152 (air traffic controller) and search.  The page that will come up will show listings of opening for FAA positions.  Select an application for a CPC and open the application.  At the top will show the salary range for the CPC at that location.  
I don't know exactly what is on the ATSAT, but I did a google search for ATSAT and I found some pages that talked about it.  I took the ATSAT years ago in the ATSAT verification process when I was a controller in Memphis and what I found on the internet was close to what I remember taking.  
I don't know what is happening with the pay while you are at  OKC.  I wish that I did, but I don't.  I heard that they were now giving per diem but I don't know that.  We have had a few trainees come through recently and they said that it cost them to attend the training in OKC.  There was no per diem for them.  We have a couple of new people coming to the area soon I can ask them what the pay was and what it cost them in OKC.  Send me your email and I will let you know what I find out.
I have never been to the FAAfollies website, until today, so I really don't know what is on it and how accurate it is.  

I hope this helps.

Dacus Grant
dacus@iwon.com