Expert: Dacus T. Grant - 7/7/2005

Question
I was eliminated in ATC at Columbus RAPCON recently, but I love working airplanes.   I came in with a guaranteed job for air traffic, so I could get out of the Air Force if I do so choose, and try to pursue a career in the FAA.  My career in the Air Force was just a stepping-stone in order to hopefully get hired in the civilian world.   
My wife was also accepted to a nursing school and is to start in a month and a half.  We are willing to put her school on hold until next year if I got hired with the FAA, but I needed some more information in order to make this decision.  Is the FAA hurting for controllers and if so, what is the probability of getting hired for this up-coming fiscal year?  Are there any openings at ZME?  Please don't kill me (disclaimer).

Answer
Dear William,
   I don't think that the FAA is hiring off the street at this time.   I understand that they should be in the next year  or so.  Go to the FAA website:  http://jobs.faa.gov/Allfaajobs.htm
under series type 2152.  This will list all of the FAA job openings at the present time.  The two at the bottom of the page deal with military and ex-military.  One of these may apply to your situtation.  Otherwise you will have to wait until the FAA is hiring off the street.


Good luck.

Dacus
dacus@iwon.com