Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) New Hire Information

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Will I need to pay for anything during my first few weeks at the Academy if I am using the credit card payment process for lodging?
    • Yes. You will be required to pay for your Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE). You can request reimbursement 15 days after arrival at the Academy and monthly thereafter.
  2. Will I still need to submit a travel voucher (SF 1012) if using the credit card payment process for lodging?
    • Yes. The travel voucher will be submitted into the eTravel (E2) System on your behalf by the Student Travel Section for reimbursement of your Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE). You will be required to access the voucher in E2 to review and approve the reimbursement 15 days after arrival at the Academy and monthly thereafter.
  3. How do I contact the Travel Office?
    • The Travel Office services are virtual - no personnel are available onsite at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. Personnel can be reached at (405) 954-9453 or 9-AMC-AMK341-StudentTravel@faa.gov.
  4. What is the daily long term per diem rate effective 10/01/2023?
    • The new long-term (16 or more class days) per diem rate is $119.60 per day ($69.60 for Lodging and $50.00 for M&IE).
  5. How do I get to Oklahoma City (OKC) for training?
    • After receipt of your new hire packet, you are authorized to call SATO Travel at (877) 327-5163 option 1 and book airfare to OKC. The airfare will be at no cost to you. If you choose to drive, you will be reimbursed for your actual expenses not to exceed the cost FAA would have paid for your flight to OKC.
  6. Will I be reimbursed for "Excess or Overweight Baggage" charges by the airline?
    • If you choose to fly, your travel reimbursement will be limited to two (2) bags per flight to and from OKC and no overweight charges will be reimbursed.
  7. Will I be reimbursed for a rental car while I am at the Academy?
    • No. Local transportation, including rental cars, is not authorized. However, shuttle busses can provide transportation on established routes.  Visit the Student Services page for details.
  8. When will I receive the packet of information from the Academy?
    • You should receive the package of information from the Academy within one to two weeks prior to the class start date. If you have not received it within a week prior to arrival at the Academy, please call (405) 954-6327.
  9. Do I have to stay at an apartment or hotel on the Student Services page list of Housing?
    • No. The providers are listed as a service to assist you with obtaining lodging.
  10. How many days in advance of my class start date should I arrive at the Academy?
    • You should plan to arrive in OKC one day prior to the start of your class.
  11. When will I have an FAA email account?
    • You will have access to your FAA email account when you receive your Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Badge. The PIV Badge is typically provided within the first week of your class start date.
  12. When will I know my assigned shift for Academy training?
    • All Air Traffic Courses begin at 0700 on the first day. Shifts are then assigned by the instructors. At some time during your training at the Academy, you may be required to work night shift.
  13. Are Academy students off work for federal holidays?
    • Yes. Class is dismissed for recognized federal holidays
  14. What is the dress code?
    • The mode of attire for the workplace shall consist of clothing that is neat, clean, and will reflect a professional learning environment. Examples of such clothing include casual slacks (e.g. khakis, cords), dress slacks, dresses, skirts, blouses, dress shirts, casual shirts with collars or banded/turtle necks and/or sweaters. Jeans will be permitted as long as they are not torn, frayed, patched or have holes of any kind. Shoes shall be neat and clean. Articles of inappropriate attire include, but are not limited to jogging suits, athletic attire, tee/tank/muscle/sleeveless shirts (for men), tee/tank/halter/tube tops (for women). Clothing having sexual connotations, written or pictured is not permitted. Revealing, ripped, or disheveled clothing of any kind is unacceptable. Hats and caps are not to be worn inside the facility. Flip-flops are prohibited. Buttons or clothing displaying political advertising and/or slogans that are in violation of the Hatch Act are not permitted.
  15. Is there someone at the Academy who can help me with G.I. Bill questions?
  16. Can I request a roommate?
    • The FAA Academy cannot endorse or arrange roommate situations. After arrival at the Academy, students do sometimes meet other students wishing to share accommodations.
  17. Is childcare provided?
    • There is an onsite childcare facility with enrollment based on availability. The Launching Pad is open from 0630 to 1800, Monday through Friday. Their phone number is (405) 954-4901. If there is no availability, or if you require childcare while attending evening courses, you may call Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral Association, Inc. at (405) 525-3111. They offer a free service to help you find the right child care situation
    • More information can be found on the childcare page
  18. Is there a notary available?
    • The onsite FAA Credit Union has free notary service available for members only M-F, 7:30am - 4:30pm. You can reach them at (405) 682-1990 ext 3000.
    • The Employees Association Bookstore also provides notary service. This service is free for Aeronautical Center Employees Association members. There is a $5.00 fee for non-members. Call (405) 681-3513 to confirm availability on a particular day.
Last updated: Monday, September 23, 2024