Kim's Place OKC

Hiring Bid Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee: FAA-ATO-18-ALLSRCE-57792

yup said:
Combo of reasons for me, mostly what Allen said...
  • I like the idea of an up/down so you aren't doing the exact same thing every day
  • I like looking at airplanes
  • More physical locations to go to
  • Lower-level facilities -> greater chance of something approaching a regular sleep schedule (no mids, possibly)
That's about it. Also in the past Terminal classes had a higher pass rate, I think they still do but the difference compared to Enroute is less.
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Looking at airplanes is overrated. Radar (terminal or enroute) is better than tower. That’s my opinion so that makes it scientifically true.
 
To all those who are concerned about not receiving a response back after sending in documents for the TOL, I just sent mine in today and got back an automatic reply that: "We are not in the office due to a lapse in funding. We will respond to your e-mail upon our return. "

I know some people earlier seemed to be concerned about not hearing anything back, so there you go.
 
Allen1138 said:
Question for you experienced controllers, what tips do you guys have for managing sleep schedules and constantly changing shifts?
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I'm not a controller but work all sorts of crazy schedules\hours in my current job - more so than I'm sure I'd have to work with the FAA (24+ hour mandated shifts, two hour breaks in service between shifts, 1am start time one day\9am the next\5am the next, etc) and spider is right, you just get used to them. The human body is capable of much more than you think it is.
 
I've been drinking and feel like telling yall a few things. Hers some background for me. I've applied to every single bid since 2013. Have been referred more times than I can count. I have also been rejected multiple times. I am in the Guard and have air traffic experience. I joined the FAA from an experienced bid 5 months ago. I have turned down 3 academy dates. IF I HAD TO DO THIS ALL OVER AGAIN THIS IS WHAT I WOULD WANT TO KNOW: 1) Relax. If you are in the process and it is showing "Referred" you have done EVERYTHING you can do. You may not have a TOL in hand, but it may be on it's way. It also may not, but no one will/can tell you an answer to that. If you did NOT get referred, give HR a call and ask why (some people may disagree with this) I have had great conversations with HR in how I fucked up my application. 2) try not to worry about terminal/enroute or where you're going to go (or where you want to go) in my experience as soon as you find the place you would LOVE to go to, the FAA will send you everywhere else. 3) If you are an off the street hire, I would suggest finding someone who is a controller that is willing to talk to you about the job. The internet is great but I highly doubt that it is as describing as a controller can be. If you cannot find someone, you can message me and I'll see what I can answer. Finally! Yes. The job IS as stressful as they make it seem, more so in training. Yes the hours suck, especially when you're low man on the totem pole. Yes. 80% of controllers are assholes. Yes. This is the best career field I have ever been apart of. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Good luck and happy holidays
 
Allen1138 said:
Question for you experienced controllers, what tips do you guys have for managing sleep schedules and constantly changing shifts?
Click to expand...

I’m new to the wonky schedule and I can tell you already the quick turn sucks but it’s just something you get used to. Not that bad and I have 2 kids, both babies so yeah sleep is a joke. Like GBP said, naps are key.
 
Allen1138 said:
Question for you experienced controllers, what tips do you guys have for managing sleep schedules and constantly changing shifts?
Click to expand...

Am not a controller, but I'm flight crew, so I feel that's nearly as bad of a schedule and with the added benefit of not being in your own bed every night. I agree with everyone else. You learn to adapt to having a weird schedule, and for flight crews we find coping mechanisms to help adjust to the changing time zones and irregular sleep patterns. You should know by now in your life if you'll be able to adapt. Are you a creature of habit? Do you need a solid 8 hours of restful sleep and enjoy routine? Then reconsider. But if you have an open mind and you're a flexible person you can make it work.

Edit: The guy above me is right. Beer and caffeine, although not so much the nicotine on our end of the freq. Can't really do smoke breaks when you spend 10 hours in an airplane
 
Ara said:
Am not a controller, but I'm flight crew, so I feel that's nearly as bad of a schedule and with the added benefit of not being in your own bed every night. I agree with everyone else. You learn to adapt to having a weird schedule, and for flight crews we find coping mechanisms to help adjust to the changing time zones and irregular sleep patterns. You should know by now in your life if you'll be able to adapt. Are you a creature of habit? Do you need a solid 8 hours of restful sleep and enjoy routine? Then reconsider. But if you have an open mind and you're a flexible person you can make it work.

Edit: The guy above me is right. Beer and caffeine, although not so much the nicotine on our end of the freq. Can't really do smoke breaks when you spend 10 hours in an airplane
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i mean aside from the quick turn, you could still sleep 6-8 hours most days couldn't you? weird how a 40 hours week work schedule can be difficult.
 
As far as the government shutdown goes:
"Other parts of government, about three-quarters, have budgets set in law through September 2019. Congress had passed several funding bills in a more orderly process this session than for many years, finding substantial bipartisan, bicameral majorities and even near unanimity on measures to re-authorize the FAA, cover defense spending, and fund health, human services, and education."
Click to expand...

Business as usual? Or is FAA HR impacted while controllers and the like are still funded?
 
nbk14 said:
i mean aside from the quick turn, you could still sleep 6-8 hours most days couldn't you? weird how a 40 hours week work schedule can be difficult.
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If that's for me, no to the first part, and we don't have 40-hr work weeks, and I'm pretty sure controllers don't either
 
I did a lot of sleep deprivation in the army. Infantry grunt stuff, that doesn’t require a lot of mental acuity though. That being said, I never consistently rotated shifts so I’m just curious if there are hints that help. Thanks guys.
 

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