Senior @ Purdue -help me out here!

Rontux

Rontux

Well-Known Member
Hi everyone, my name is David, I am 21, gonna be a senior @ Purdue. I live in Albany NY. had an internship @ KALB in high school...pretty fun stuff! I am in the ATC CTI program. I have yet to understand how any of this hiring stuff works. I have taken nearly every class for my major, and sometimes the most basic questions have not been answers, most likely because they cannot be (government changes things so much..)
I have joked that if I ask 10 people how and when we will be hired, I will get 15 different answers :clap:

Anyway, my graduation date is August 2010. I take the AT-SAT test this coming semester I beleive. I have talked to numerous kids who are a year older than me who are still waiting to hear back from the Academy and have taken the AT-SAT almost a year ago. how long does it take? I have heard everything from 3 to 24 months, and that's usually after applying, so that could be up to two years after I gradute....ouch... I don't see how I have have a degree from Purdue University w/ honors and not find a job. It's very discouraging when most of my engineering friends have 2-5 job offerings prior to even graduating :mad:
It is getting the point that, if I don't get a job as an ATC (or I suppose airport management, which would be great!), I will be heading back to school and getting another degree in engineering, or a masters in something. I have no problem staying in school if I can't get a job, and can keep getting scholarships to afford it ! LOL

Anyway, I am just confused. My girlfriend goes to school in Boston, and my goal is to live out there eventually, and work in the NE airspace where I am from. I have absolutely no idea how to go about getting into certain facilities, as nobody has ever described this to me. I would assume controllers are in demand right now, but things just dont seem to be addin' up!! Any help would be really appreciated! Thanks for reading, and take care!

David
 
Rontux said:
Hi everyone, my name is David, I am 21, gonna be a senior @ Purdue. I live in Albany NY. had an internship @ KALB in high school...pretty fun stuff! I am in the ATC CTI program. I have yet to understand how any of this hiring stuff works. I have taken nearly every class for my major, and sometimes the most basic questions have not been answers, most likely because they cannot be (government changes things so much..)
I have joked that if I ask 10 people how and when we will be hired, I will get 15 different answers :clap:

Anyway, my graduation date is August 2010. I take the AT-SAT test this coming semester I beleive. I have talked to numerous kids who are a year older than me who are still waiting to hear back from the Academy and have taken the AT-SAT almost a year ago. how long does it take? I have heard everything from 3 to 24 months, and that's usually after applying, so that could be up to two years after I gradute....ouch... I don't see how I have have a degree from Purdue University w/ honors and not find a job. It's very discouraging when most of my engineering friends have 2-5 job offerings prior to even graduating :mad:

Anyway, I am just confused. My girlfriend goes to school in Boston, and my goal is to live out there eventually, and work in the NE airspace where I am from. I have absolutely no idea how to go about getting into certain facilities, as nobody has every described this to me. I would assume controllers are in demand right now, but things just dont seem to be addin' up!! Any help would be really appreciated! Thanks for reading, and take care!

David
Click to expand...
Check some of the sticky posts in the Applications sub-thread. There's lots of info in there for you to read up on prior to your graduation.
 
Thanks for posting Rontux - and welcome to the forums.

The process is lengthy in both theory (explanation) and reality. But here's a truncated summation for you, beginning with the submission of your application(s)

1: FAA ASAP Application (jobs.faa.gov/asap)
2: Wait - 2 weeks to 2 months after submission
3: AT-SAT selection/notification via your ASAP homepage
4: Wait - 2-5 weeks for AT-SAT scheduling call
5: Fly/Drive/Swim/Crawl to your AT-SAT testing center.
6: Wait - 2 weeks - 2 months for AT-SAT score to post on ASAP homepage
7: Wait - 3 weeks - 3 months for Panel Selections
8: Geo Pref Email (click a link from email to go to geo-pref @ FAA.Gov)
**This is where you put where you want to go**
9: Wait - 2 weeks - 2 months for PEPC invite
10: PEPC Invite Email (from OKC Hr Rep)
11: Wait - 1-3 months for PEPC (Meanwhile filling out loads of paperwork)
12: Attend PEPC (Medical/Psych/Drug/Background/Fingerprinting..etc)
13: Receive TOL in person (usually) while @ PEPC
14: Wait 2-6 months for FOL (depending on class availability)
15: Call/Email to schedule start date for OKC
16: Wait 2 weeks - 3 months for FOL
17: FOL comes in mail
18: Go to Academy.

It will be 9 months since I took my at-sat for PubHI (Nov 4, 2008) in August. I have also filled out, PubNat4/AK/5/6/7/8 to make sure if something happens, I have a backup application ready to get me back on track to get through the process.

Best bet is to start filling out applications whenever you feel like you're ready to begin. Filling out a regular Public Application (Non-CTI) will not effect your eligibility for the CTI announcements when you graduate from your CTI course.

One important thing to take into account when filling out a PubNAT as a CTI student is that you may be required to travel/fly to knock out the at-sat and PEPC, should you be asked to do so before you actually graduate.

Once you graduate, you have the ability to fill out both CTI and PubNat applications from the FAA ASAP page.

JetCareers.com and StuckMic.com have both proven themselves to be invaluable resources for the duration of my application process, so by all means keep coming back on here and posting/researching/asking and answering.

The more people we have in here (despite the drawback of mass speculation) the more we can keep talking and helping one another through the hurdles!

Good luck to you. :beer:
 
Hi guys, thanks for the prompt replies; slow day at work here.
I was wondering, are most people here PUBNAT, which is from what I understand the 'public -off the street' type? (not to say that in a bad way, I don't mean that!) Seems that the ones who are not part of the CTI program will be at OKC for much longer than us, at least that is what I have been told also. Thanks for the help and I will continue to read up on this and check back!

Interestingly, I will add this: when I was a sophmore (19 years old) I filled out a PUBNAT application to see if they really did take students prior to their CTI cert. Well apparently they do, as I got invited to take the ATSAT in chicago. I never did take it and told them I would wait until I graduate, but i did tell my professors who seemed to be rather surprised that I heard back so soon (it look probably < a month). I guess there is a very dynamic wait time. Some people hear back in a week, some 3 months! Just food for thought there.

David
 
Earlier Applications (Pub 1,2,3 in 2008) went through really fast compared to how the system is running now.. but mainly due to the lack of this huge influx of applicants the FAA has received.

There are a lot of people to push through now.

Given: CTI precludes your basics in OKC so you (from what I've heard at least, correct me if i'm wrong anyone) get to skip a few weeks of training and go straight to the more job-specific curriculum.

The wait times can be dynamic, varying by many degrees from background investigation delays/medical waivers/clarification to your facility's staffing needs and OKC seat availability.

It can also vary by other measures as well if you decide to go the traiditonal route (non-pepc) where you do a direct interview with your desired facility and take care of the items which you would otherwise knock out in a day at the pepc, on your own.
 
Raydon is correct in stating that CTI graduates get to skip basics, but if and only if they get picked up through a CTI announcement. If you are a CTI graduate and you apply to a PUBNAT and get picked up, you get to go to basics.

The wait sucks, but it's all worth it.
 
Damn. That's rediculous. And to think we have had to close airspace over the past few weeks due to staffing shortages? Interesting government we have! It sucks thinking right now I am 21 and am making more than I will be making @ OKC (I am currently paid $16.50 an hour as a recording studio runner)...Unfortunetly I don't have that type of patience to wait a year (after all, I am an ATC trainee!). I commend you who do and hope it works out! I'd make more money opening a Dunkin Donuts on Purdue's campus after I graduate than sit around and wait...and the problem is that a lot of the high end candidates for training (CTI, ex-mil, etc) are taking other jobs like this while they wait. And if uncle sam calls me up when I am making $80,000 a year, I ain't going. That is why there is a huge shortage, IMO. It will be interesting to see what life has in store for me. Thank you for the replies!
 
Rontux said:
Damn. That's rediculous. And to think we have had to close airspace over the past few weeks due to staffing shortages? Interesting government we have! It sucks thinking right now I am 21 and am making more than I will be making @ OKC (I am currently paid $16.50 an hour as a recording studio runner)...Unfortunetly I don't have that type of patience to wait a year (after all, I am an ATC trainee!). I commend you who do and hope it works out! I'd make more money opening a Dunkin Donuts on Purdue's campus after I graduate than sit around and wait...and the problem is that a lot of the high end candidates for training (CTI, ex-mil, etc) are taking other jobs like this while they wait. And if uncle sam calls me up when I am making $80,000 a year, I ain't going. That is why there is a huge shortage, IMO. It will be interesting to see what life has in store for me. Thank you for the replies!
Click to expand...


The thing is, two years ago, people were complaining that the wait to get into ATC, after the CTI or military (only ways to get in, basically), was about 2 1/2 years.
 
Rontux said:
Damn. That's rediculous. And to think we have had to close airspace over the past few weeks due to staffing shortages? Interesting government we have! It sucks thinking right now I am 21 and am making more than I will be making @ OKC (I am currently paid $16.50 an hour as a recording studio runner)...Unfortunetly I don't have that type of patience to wait a year (after all, I am an ATC trainee!). I commend you who do and hope it works out! I'd make more money opening a Dunkin Donuts on Purdue's campus after I graduate than sit around and wait...and the problem is that a lot of the high end candidates for training (CTI, ex-mil, etc) are taking other jobs like this while they wait. And if uncle sam calls me up when I am making $80,000 a year, I ain't going. That is why there is a huge shortage, IMO. It will be interesting to see what life has in store for me. Thank you for the replies!
Click to expand...

If opening a Dunkin Donuts is what you want to do with your life then go for it, your in school to be a controller, so you should know that the reward in the long term is worth it. But if this helps you, yes you get paid like $10 an hour in Oklahoma, but if you pay with your own credit card for room and board, you get a $2400 check every month you are down there tax free per diem on top of your paycheck. Your paycheck + 2400 per diem equates to about $50,000 a year, $30,000 of that tax free. You actually get hosed going to your facility, because then you make $40,000ish... all of it taxed... and taxed in a higher bracket than the $20,000 salary in Oklahoma... until your first raise of course :)
 
Difficulty of getting into Purdue for ATC

Well I made this thread in the flight training forum, but I assume that the ATC program is easier to get into. I think the degree you get is the Aviation Management degree. Should I try to get a different degree since most people say to get a degree not related to aviation or is it a good enough degree because it is business?

Anyhow, I am going to be a junior this year, my GPA is like a 3.4 or so (will go up this year, I'm gonna start to really try and I am not taking as many honors courses), my ACT score is a 27, I am on the varsity golf team and the rocket team, and I'll most likely go in with my PPL Multi-Instrument (even though I don't think that helps to get accepted).

If I bring my GPA up to about a 3.6ish, would I have a much better chance?
 
Re: Difficulty of getting into Purdue for ATC

I'm in Purdue flight but I have quite a few friends in AT Management. I'm not sure if it's easier to get in but I think your GPA is good enough to get in. A higher GPA can only help you.

It's my understanding that you would be an Aviation Management Major and then you decide to specifically study ATC. Read http://www.tech.purdue.edu/at/academics/undergraduate/am_info.cfm for more information and let me know if you have any other questions.
 
Re: Difficulty of getting into Purdue for ATC

Torch1930 said:
I'm in Purdue flight but I have quite a few friends in AT Management. I'm not sure if it's easier to get in but I think your GPA is good enough to get in. A higher GPA can only help you.

It's my understanding that you would be an Aviation Technology Major and then you decide to specifically study ATC. Read http://www.tech.purdue.edu/at/academics/undergraduate/am_info.cfm for more information and let me know if you have any other questions.
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Well, I looked here and it said aviation management, and on page 2 it has the CTI classes. I'm probably missing something...
 
Re: Difficulty of getting into Purdue for ATC

Slugger said:
Well, I looked here and it said aviation management, and on page 2 it has the CTI classes. I'm probably missing something...
Click to expand...


You are absolutely right. I was thinking Aviation Management but typed Aviation Technology.
 
Cheezypoof said:
If opening a Dunkin Donuts is what you want to do with your life then go for it, your in school to be a controller, so you should know that the reward in the long term is worth it. But if this helps you, yes you get paid like $10 an hour in Oklahoma, but if you pay with your own credit card for room and board, you get a $2400 check every month you are down there tax free per diem on top of your paycheck. Your paycheck + 2400 per diem equates to about $50,000 a year, $30,000 of that tax free. You actually get hosed going to your facility, because then you make $40,000ish... all of it taxed... and taxed in a higher bracket than the $20,000 salary in Oklahoma... until your first raise of course :)
Click to expand...


haha yes. Intersting points. We'll see how it all works out. Who knows where I'll end up. Thing is, like I said, i'm not going to sit and wait in my parents basement until I get called to OKC. And who knows what career I could randomly fall into in those 1-2 years....thanks for the replys!
 
Re: Difficulty of getting into Purdue for ATC

I am an ATC @ Purdue. Purdue has recently DRAMATICALLY inceased their requirements. I have no idea why, and it's probably pointless, as most of the regulations on the education system...but thats another story...hahaha...anyway.....i think now you need 4 years of math prior to graduating college. I need like 1 or 2 ! So, basically, you guys have it a lot worse than we did. However, I know that when I got accepted (2005/2006) I had a 1210SAT (out of 1600), Regents (NYs normal classes), no honors courses, Precalc, didnt take the ACT, some college credit (spanish, programming, etc)...I will be honest, I was too busy with music and girls to give a crap about school. I am not a dumb kid, but I never studied...I never cared much! and it was no surpirse to my family when I got into every single school I applied for... Purdue, Siena, SUNY Albany, Daniel Webster, RIT, Embry-Riddle, St. Rose, Berklee college of music, Rochester, UCLA, and some more I cant remember. I applied to A LOT. I would recommend dropping honors and AP classes in the effort to raise your GPA if you want to raise it. People say what they will/wont but in reality As and Bs with normal classes looks better than Cs and Ds in AP ones. I could have easily done Ap/honors classes but I would have sacrified my time in high school, and wtf would be the point to that, as I got into the schools I wanted to get into. I used to laugh at the kids who would study and do 5 hours of homework a night...and some of them didnt even schools they wanted, be it Ivy League or whatever..In retrospect, I am glad I did not overwork myself. However, I was one of the busiest kids I ever met. I am obsessed with music and was at one point in 5 bands/orchestras/jazz combos. I ran a Rock N' Roll club @ the school. I helped direct the schools Business Club. I owned an operated a small computer business with some friends for a while. I also worked for the schools musical, taught music, ran lights, did sounds for the auditorium, and to top it off had a monster internship with the FAA....NOW that I am in college I understand how to study. I have a 3.9GPA. Had a 4.0 two semesters. THAT is hard work, but you realize it and you work. I still do all my music and have tons of fun. schoolwork is important, but having a life is the priority. show the school you're interested. do something with aviaiton..get your foot in the door. that is my advice. also, dont waste your time worrying aobut grades too much. after all college is when you learn what you want to do. Just have fun in high school/college and learn what you want to learn. get by, and study. but NEVER give up extra stuff to get higher grades. My friends did that, and a lot didnt get into schools they wanted to go to..thats just my $.02....also think HARD about if you want to go into aviation. Its a great field, but peoples tastes change a lot. Aviation and music to me were the only things I liked and that is what I do...

Andy is right that you will do management with CTi in ur last year or so. That is when you get certified. And then the big wait! (see other thread about this...) best of luck!!! Purdue is a really fun school. Except for Andy (I actually secretly hate him). jk

Purdue ,academically, is a very good school. If you are not cut out for the work, you will struggle. It really shaped you up. However, they make it enjoyable and are really helpful. I have friends who say that their schools do not help them like they do at purdue; our advisors are good. The biggest downside about purdue? The town, and dare I say it, the social life. GRANTED it is A LOT better than any other flight school in the world, but that's not saying much. You are from boston. boston has a rich and lucritive culture. God help your soul when you realize that the most fun part of this town is throwing rocks into the Wabash from the footbridge. (I actually took many girls on dates to do this, and they actually thought it was pretty cute. Just find big rocks. You can steal that idea, I don't care lol) For me, there is no music scene. I love my friends, but we all agree, this place is NOT what we hoped for in college. I am SO jealous of my friends @ Berklee who have endless musicians to play with. The midwest, quite frankly, is nothing like I imagined it. This is a HUGE college with a very small college feel. For better or for worse, and im sure everyone (including andy) will agree on this. I am just throwing it out there, because it is a reoccuring theme that keeps haunting all of my friends who are from Purdue...the school is in the middle of nowhere. It truly is. However, I got one more year here. What can we do? hahaha. Visit the school, too. Try to stay over and see how you like it! I think youll find it enjoyable. Just thought I'd share some information that you will rarely hear. :):beer:
 
Re: Difficulty of getting into Purdue for ATC

Rontux said:
Andy is right that you will do management with CTi in ur last year or so. That is when you get certified. And then the big wait! (see other thread about this...) best of luck!!! Purdue is a really fun school. Except for Andy (I actually secretly hate him). jk
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave...

The one thing good about Purdue is there are a lot of good places to eat.
 
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