Not so much about L'ville but given the current economic climate I thought I'd post this just in case anyone was interested. Robin, feel free to move/remove this if it's outta line.
Anyway, If any of you younger folks are interested in a career change...or know someone who is, the FAA (my former employer) is hiring a boat load of developmental air traffic controllers these days. Last I knew NO prior aviation experience was required. Must be under age 31 at time of hire and be able to pass a security screening (if you've got DWI's or drug convictions on your record my advice is to not even bother applying). I've been working as a contract instructor teaching these new hires for about two years now and have taught young people with varying backgrounds...former bank tellers, salespeople, restaurant employees, electricians, etc, etc. It's not a job where you need to be "book smart", you just have to have an aptitude and either you have it or you don't, simple as that. They've kind of dicked around with the pay scale since I retired, so I don't know exactly what the starting salary is or where people are topping out pay wise but I'm sure it's still well north of 100K at the busier facilities.
Without going into great detail here are a couple of the pros and cons:
Pros: Good salary and benefits and retirement. Secure even during poor economic times
Cons: VERY strenuous training program with a HIGH "washout" rate...up to 50% in some places, shift-work, possible/probable relocation at initial hire.
I'll be happy to answer any questions but that being said most answers can be found at this link:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/hea ... tions/atc/
