FAA Opens Window a Smidge to Hire Air Traffic Controllers

towerIn preparation for the future workforce, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced recently that it will be accepting applications from entry-level candidates for air traffic controller positions from August 8-15, 2016.

“We provide the safest, most efficient airspace system in the world and we need exceptional people to support our mission,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The FAA regulates the aviation industry to ensure that every person who travels through America’s skies arrives safely at their destination. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers who are largely responsible for carrying out this mission.

The job vacancy announcement for the position of Air Traffic Control Specialist-Trainee will be available on USAJobs.gov, the federal government’s official job site. If you’re interested in applying, you can establish an online account today. This is a highly competitive position. The agency expects more than 25,000 applications for approximately 1,400 positions during the seven-day job opening. All applicants will need to meet basic qualifications and answer specific questions for this position once the job is announced.

Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) are responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation’s airspace. Developmental controllers receive a wide range of training in controlling and separating live air traffic within designated airspace at and around an air traffic control tower or radar approach control facility, or air route traffic control center. As a new ATCS, you will spend your first several months of employment in an intensive training program at the FAA Academy located in Oklahoma City, OK.

The FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 affected the ATCS hiring process. As a result of this legislation, candidates who graduated from a Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program are required to submit proof of graduation and an appropriate recommendation from the CTI institution. Eligible veteran candidates are required to provide a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty within 120 days of the announcement closing. The FAA strongly encourages potential applicants to take the necessary measures to obtain this information as soon as possible to receive consideration for ATCS positons.

To learn more about the air traffic controller profession as well as an overview of the day-to-day work please view this link: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/