The only things I know about higher level facilities is what most people on here say... I hope you'll stick around here (despite some of the negativity about your future facility) and keep us updated on how everything's going at OKC and then when you start at ATL.
Washout rate for OTS at Level 12 facility
- Thread starter jamcan162
- Start date
The only things I know about higher level facilities is what most people on here say... I hope you'll stick around here (despite some of the negativity about your future facility) and keep us updated on how everything's going at OKC and then when you start at ATL.
I think it mainly comes from experienced controllers, and it's usually directed towards us OTS people .
I agree that you need to look at both sides of the picture, but I have been greatly influenced by those who have advised not go to a high level facility right off the bat. The only problem is, like you said, you don't really get a choice.
I'm not quitting or giving up just because of what a few people said. I've also noticed that all of the OTS people out here who are negative about bigger facilities are going to no higher than a 6 or 7. The OTS in my class are going to places such as Scranton, PA or VFR towers in CA that are all lvl 6 or so, and 3 are going to Bangor, Maine.
I don't know if that was towards me or just in general, but I didn't mean that you'd give up going to ATL... I meant I hope you continue to check in here and show us what it's really like at that kind of facility. All we hear is that it's much harder to check out at a higher level facility (and I'm still hoping not to be selected for a higher level facility), but I'd still like to hear what it's like for a new hire at a place like ATL.
No, just a general comment, not at anyone in particular. So far all I know from what Colleen told me was that the avgerage person gets CPC at the tower in like 6-9 months. And that it varies from 4-5 months to over a year, just dependent on the person. Hopefully, I'll know a little more in a couple of weeks!
RetiredATLATC
Well-Known Member
Only if you are a controller from another previous facility are you going to check out in 6-9 months. Sorry to rain on everyones parade, but it's a fact. Good luck in The Big Show and don't you dare slow anyone I give you until they are short final. 2.5 miles has worked for years and will continue to do so. Again, welcome to The Show.
CJ
Barty
Well-Known Member
With these comments in mind, I think I'm probably going to put Chattanooga and PDK at the top of my lists, then the Atlanta facilities. Get certified there, then move onward and upward (if I feel so inclined) after 4-5 years under my belt. I don't really have a problem with other locations around Tennessee or Georgia, but I'm just concerned about getting stuck out in the middle of BFE and my wife having a hard time finding a decent paying job.
My wife and I are just really trying to avoid having to move more than about 40-50 miles from our current location.
My wife and I are just really trying to avoid having to move more than about 40-50 miles from our current location.
My wife and I are in the same situation. My wife has always worked government jobs so I briefly considered neighboring state capital cities such as Nashville, RDU, or Columbia, but I came back to wanting to stay in Atlanta. I chose both terminal and en route and knew that PDK was an option, but I was given ZTL. Still gotta move though considering Hampton is the furthest away from me of any of the three Atlanta facilities. But atleast my wife won't have to find a new job due to moving as she has had to do twice in the last year (thanks to me).
Barty
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I'd probably end up having to do the same if I got Hampton, though my wife has already made it clear that she'd prefer not to move to the south side of town, even though that's where I'm from! Biggest deal is she's got a pretty good gig right now and finding something close to her salary level in some place like Macon or Columbus would be next to impossible I'd think. Personally I wouldn't mind Knoxville or Nashville, but I think she's kind of opposed to moving that far north.
Knowing what time the shifts generally are I wouldn't encounter too much traffic driving from Cobb County to Hampton, but the miles, particularly with the price of gas being what it is, would be killer. If we were talking 8-9 years ago, I wouldn't mind so much. I was basically making that same drive every day for about two years anyway in the other direction.
Well see though...I've passed my AT-SAT and made a decent score (88.3) so I'm just taking it as it comes. I won't be devastated if things don't work out, but I'm excited about the prospect of getting into this career.
