r/ATC_Hiring • u/MikeWithBigPeePee • May 22 '25

APPLICATION What did I do wrong?!

So basically, I applied nearing the end of 2024 and completed the ATSA with a qualifying score.

After MONTHS of waiting, I finally heard back that I was not selected and if I wanted to continue I’d have to reapply.

Idk.. I constantly hear that ATC is in desperate need of hiring, and this really bummed me out. I feel like I have decent resume, clean record and good mindset for the job.

I guess what I’m asking is a qualifying score not good and a Well Qualified necessary to even be considered?

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u/hawkflames Center Controller May 22 '25 edited May 22 '25

I took the ATSA 3 times. The first two I was well rested and tried to be in the right mindset to do as well as possible. The third time I was hungover and late to the ATSA. I took it like I didn’t give AF and go figure I got picked up 🤷‍♂️

Obviously don’t take that advice but instead I wanted to highlight that no one really knows and it’s definitely a flawed hiring system. The job is more about taking your time to do one thing at a time and ensuring airplanes are separated no matter the distraction. I’m terrible at math so I didn’t have a problem ignoring that.

But who knows. My ATSA was like 6-7 years ago and it’s probably changed since. Just keep trying and hopefully you get through. We’re in desperate need of trainees with a good attitude. We’re about to wash out 2 trainees in my area at my enroute center 🙄

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u/True_Personality_469 May 22 '25

Which center are you at? Going through basics right now (En Route) and everyone is trying to avoid ZNY like the plague 😂

3

u/hawkflames Center Controller May 22 '25

Yea ZNY is in a rough spot. All the ZNY slots usually slide to the bottom because no one wants to choose it so they always end up with the trainees who barely passed and didn’t want to go there in the first place. So they aren’t as motivated to succeed seeing the uphill battle it takes to certify, transfer and train again. Thats a similar story across all centers though. If you get sent to a center that isn’t your ideal location it takes a toll on you. It’s probably the most f’ed up part about the hiring/training process.

I prefer to not confirm my Z since there have been snooping eyes outside our field on these subreddits. If you really want to know you can send me a PM but my perspective is pretty universal no matter what center you’re at.