Many have inquired and now you have some answers.

I resigned from the FAA a few weeks ago. Money was a huge factor. I was working full time at the tower and working part time weather observing on my tower days off just to make ends meet at the end of each month. The financial burden placed on me was more than I had expected and planned for. Working 7 days a week with no day off was taxing me and did not help my training.

At the tower, I had reached the maximum hours of training on the first position. The review board felt that I would not certify if I was given an additional 14 hours. So instead of being terminated, I resigned.

I entered the FAA at one of the worst times. Since the pay cut 1 1/2 years ago along with the huge debt incurred at ERAU (very high loan payments), it is extremely difficult to make it financially. The economy is so bad that I can’t even consolidate my private loans. I’m screwed financially big time and the FAA has done nothing to help us new guys.

It’s sad that after taxes, I made more per hour weather observing than I did at the tower. Even overtime at the tower would have been close to what I made wx observing. Working another 8-12 months 7 days a week before I got my $500/mo raise at the tower is not something I can do. I was already burned out after 4 months - nevermind another 8-12 months.

The FAA will hire people off the streets at Job fairs but the key is that they don’t have the financial burden like all of CTI students. Also now, there are more schools to attend for ATC such as Lewis than there was 6 months ago. The FAA screwed us new guys.

So whats my future? I’m picking up a few more shifts weather observing. I have a promising job opportunity with a company and I’m currently awaiting training information. I’m vague on details for specific reasons at this time.