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So you fell into pool 1? I'm a prior-experience guy but have too much time left on my enlistment to qualify for pool 1.
Hiring Bid Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee: FAA-ATO-16-ALLSRCE-49075 Bid
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So you fell into pool 1? I'm a prior-experience guy but have too much time left on my enlistment to qualify for pool 1.
AO0530
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Yeah I fell into pool one. I'm excited, didn't pass the BQ twice and qualified for pool 1 this time around.
I took the AT-SA validation test they were having CPCs take. I never took the AT-SAT outside of the few scenarios they have you do at the FAA Academy. The AT-SA was much more challenging overall and I have no idea how I scored or how it's actually scored. I will say, I'm glad I don't/didn't have to take it to be hired because I left feeling like I have no business being a CPC, haha.
There were several different sections: simple math equations, spatial recognition, a section where you had to eliminate radar conflicts and try to answer math equations that needed a calculator (which you don't have) at the same time, and a section that simulated an e-mail inbox that had random info that you had to remember while completing more math equations (I think...there was some task they had you do to distract you) then they'd ask you specific info that was in one of the e-mails. You couldn't go back to reference the e-mails either.
If those sections are included in the AT-SA, there's really no way to prepare for it other than to be well rested and alert.
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Awesome, congrats on seemingly making it this time.
That sounds horrible and I really wish I got picked up on the last prior experience bid now. I guess I will just suck it up, get some rest, and do it. Thanks for the information.
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Replacement for the AT-SAT. If you are hired under the vet bid you don't take it.
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Green check mark, CTI grad in pool 1, keeping my fingers crossed like everyone else 
This whole AT-SA test is what is making everyone nervous and as mikemike said I really don't think there is any way to prepare for it. I agree with what was said though about getting sleep and being alert, one more piece of advice is brush up on your math skills if they aren't up to par. That is what I am doing to keep ahead.
This whole AT-SA test is what is making everyone nervous and as mikemike said I really don't think there is any way to prepare for it. I agree with what was said though about getting sleep and being alert, one more piece of advice is brush up on your math skills if they aren't up to par. That is what I am doing to keep ahead.STIMULATOR
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I am
Lucky bastard. I had to double check to make sure MAF was FAA lol.
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Unfortunately it is. Not to burst anyone's bubble, but the FAA isn't all rainbows and unicorns.
SugarFoot1
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I see this being an issue for alot of people....they have been is this process for so long and desired to in the FAA more than anything then get to their first fac to end up being unhappy. Im hoping this doesnt happen to me coming from a very relaxed fac then to the FAA. Im ready to be busy again and some more structure with better leadership. Our fac chiefs are push overs and terrible at managing.
ajmezz
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Yeah, people don't realize there are A LOT of very undesirable places in the FAA. Granted I'm sure they're all home or close to home for someone. It's just another inefficiency of the FAA hiring. They send people thousands of miles away from home or close to where they want to be, then those people spend all that time training and leaving as soon as possible. So it's just a big waste of time and money for everyone involved and nothing gets fixed.
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ajmezz, no i do not sorry. I fly out of KOSU in Ohio. I just wanted an ATC related pic and found that one. But on that subject, if you work there did you happen to go through the Advanced ATC program in Georgia?
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I don't expect the grass to be greener, I'm just searching for different grass.
ajmezz
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Ah ok. Oddly enough, 3 of us who work there are originally from Ohio and 2 of us are OSU fans lol. I didn't go to AATC, I went to a program like theirs ran by L3 years ago at NTRA. I work with 1 and soon to be 2 grads from that program though.
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Glad to see there are fellow Buckeyes on here! I was looking at doing that program if this bid doesn't work out because I want to work traffic like everyone else does. I just don't think I can justify $50k after spending the money I have on a CTI at Kent to do the program and possibly not get hired on with one of their towers. I looked at BVI at their program and since I have my CTI degree I would only be spending about $9,500 on a CTO rather than $50k. So I don't know maybe that is still an option. Do something like get a CTO from BVI and then talk to see if they have a position open at one of their towers to earn the 52 weeks.
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Fellow Buckeye here as well. I'm hoping to make my way back home after my enlistment is up. Florida is nice and all, but I miss having four seasons.
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There ya go! I am still fighting with myself on whether or not I want to end up in Ohio or Tennessee while climbing the ladder with the FAA. I will go where they put me but eventually I would like to be back this way.
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I would take Tennessee as well. It's a beautiful state. The major downfall are all of the taxes in Ohio...damn RITA municipalities. Honestly, my wife and I would take pretty much anywhere east of the Mississippi River if I'm lucky enough to get picked up.
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