[Fox Xray]

Originally Posted by teetee

Okay, I am interested in learning more about this career. My husband has applied to become one and I have been reading up to know what will be expected of me and the family if he were to get the job (such as no vacation, not seeing daddy and such).

First: Why is there such a HIGH drop out rate?

Lot's of reasons... more so now for pay. Many people simply cannot do the job, they either fail or see the writing on the wall and quit. Lately it has been money, a lot of people have the opinion that they can make the same $$$ and not have to work nights, weekends, holidays, or put up with the BS of the job.

Second: There are lots of people talking about pay and how you are treated and such (part of the reason for drop out I am sure); however, is the bad environment EVERYWHERE or are some state worse?

Some places are better the others... the big facilities where the big $$$ is all seem to be bad. I work at one of the busiest centers and overall things blow. The smaller facilities it depends more on the manager, a good one makes things really good, a bad one really bad. In a big place there are so many levels of management one madman can't reign over everything as much.

Third: How does being a pilot help with ATC? Does it give you more point in the hiring process?

I don't think it helps with being hired (not really sure though) but the knowledge will help in basic training, understanding the NAS, etc.

Third: Worrier for a wife but...are the medical benefits good?

The Gov't benefits package is very good, I have friends in various civil service jobs and union jobs and the Gov't package is very good compared to what others are offered. The only thing lacking in my opinion is the dental is not good as it could be...

Fourth: What does training entail once he leaves OKC?

Depends on where you are assigned... in my center you can expect several weeks of classroom upon reporting followed by several months of training in the dysim lab followed by a few years of OJT on live traffic.

Thanks for reading and sorry if these are nOOb questions or been asked other places...I have looked but not found them!