The FAA has offered an unprecedented $100,000 bonus to air-traffic controllers throughout the country to lure them to the New York area's five understaffed radar centers - and has even begun trolling local high schools to recruit for the jobs
http://www.nypost.com/seven/0714200...19827.htm?CMP=EMC-email_edition&DATE=07142008
What FAA are they talking to?
http://www.nypost.com/seven/0714200...19827.htm?CMP=EMC-email_edition&DATE=07142008
Scratch that -more importantly: How do they think that a $27k bonus plus $75k more over 3 years is going to get them anywhere when getting hired off the street with no experience? I'd be willing to bet the washout rate in NY is pretty up there. How does the FAA not see this is a problem and make changes to get quality controllers?
I am sure this won't last long. Hell, most 18 year olds I know can't even get your order right at burger king.
You think I could apply now? I don't turn 18 until December. I only have one year of work experience, at an airport.
I think this article is poorly written. I read a similar article (link below) earlier today that indicated the bonus was for controllers who were willing to transfer to NY.
This excerpt from the article seems to verify that...
Thirty trained controllers have already accepted the Federal Aviation Administration's offer of a $27,000, one-time bonus to move to New York, plus another $75,000 paid over four years.
But this one seems to imply the offer is being made to new hires...
The offer - pitched to applicants from June 17 to July 8 - was made in an effort to cope with a higher-than-expected wave of retirements in the FAA, officials said.
It is like two articles about two different things (high school students & $100k bonuses) meshed together to make is seem like 18 year olds are being offered $100k bonuses.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/07/08/2008-07-08_flights_and_frights.html
Are they offering this bonus to everyone going to a NYC airport? This is the first I've read about a signing bonus...
This article, however inaccurate, infuriated me. I'm still waiting for a PEPC invite for NY/NJ. Don't tell me that I'm getting passed over for some high school kid.
There wouldn't shortages if the FAA actually hired those who are interested.
How is this that different than teens working ATC in military towers? That's been going on for decades. Bottom line, you still have to be capable of doing the job. Some teens will be much more capable than many adults.