The Debrief
FAA hiring news, Academy life guides, and insider takes from two people who've been on both sides of the process. No fluff — just what you actually need to know.
3 Things I Watched New Controllers Struggle With After the Academy
Over 32 years at ZID, ZJX, ZOA, and Honolulu, I received hundreds of controllers straight from the Academy.
How to Structure Your 13 Days Before the Basics Final
Our data shows that students who pass the Basics final spend their prep time differently than students who don't.
Managing Stress at the Academy — You're Not the Only One Struggling.
The Academy is designed to be hard. The pressure is intentional. Here's what students who make it through actually do.
Where to Live Near the FAA Academy in OKC: A Real Guide.
Nobody tells you this part. From commute times to what's walkable to what the neighborhoods around center are actually like.
You Passed the ATSA. You're on the IOU List. Here's What Happens Next.
Understanding how the FAA pulls from it — and how long waits actually are right now — matters more than people think.
FAA Targets 2,200 New Controllers in 2026 — What It Means If You're in the Pipeline Right Now.
Over 32 years at ZID, ZJX, ZOA, and Honolulu, I received hundreds of controllers straight from the Academy.
GS Grades, NATCA, and Your First Paycheck: What No One Explains
The difference between starting at GS-7 vs. GS-9 is real money over a career. Here's how your starting grade is determined.