After 9 1/2 years of service as an Air Traffic Controller, I've been given notice. Seems the Aviation Medical department has suddenly decided a medication I take for migraines is no longer acceptable. Funny, they found it acceptable for years. Why now?
Because the agency is under a directive to remove from service all medically disqualified controllers.
So, I'm changing careers.
That said, I thought I'd start this blog and share with you some of the experiences I've had over the past 9 1/2 years.
13 comments:
Mind if I ask what med you're on which they won't allow?
Migraine medication.
Fiorinal #3. Used only as needed for migraines. Only had a 24 hr. restriction after use.
I don't understand why they can't allow you to remain in atc so long as you've got the S/L to back up what you need. No chance at an office job to remain in the agency with hopes that things will change?
I'm not the only controller that was arbitrarily medically disqualified, then terminated, or forced to retire. Their goal (the FAA's) was to eliminate as many first tier controllers (high pay scale) as possible, and replace them with second tier (much lower pay scale) controllers.
Keeping me employed was never under consideration by the agency.
I work at zmp so I understand what you're up against. I didn't realize it had become this cut-throat.
How is this supposed to make for a safe environment when Controllers will be forced underground with their medical conditions for fear of being terminated? It's not right.
No, it's not right. Probably not even legal. They just don't care. Another guy at my facility was on a medication for 20 years. With the FAA's approval. He wanted to stay until his kids were through college. No chance now. They permenantly disqualified him, and forced him to retire.
I like your oldest military ops guy there at ZMP. I worked with him (center to center) for several months before I was forced out. Tell him CV (the girl) from ZOB misses him. :)
You're no doubt referring to JO...Jerry. There's no greater character at zmp than Jerry nor will you find a nicer guy. I'll pass along your message to him.
Best wishes.
Thanks Kevin.
Couldn't remember his initials because he NEVER GAVE THEM. :)
You can give him a kiss from me too. ;-)
I'm sure I could easily manage a hug for you...Jerry's a big teddy bear. He retires later this year.
Okay, I'll settle for the hug.
You guys are going to be losing a real asset when he goes.
Yeah, he's a hoot to be around...never a dull moment. I don't see him staying one day beyond eligibility. I think he's moving to South Dakota.
He's got a house out there. I think he lives there on the weekends...about a 240 mile drive one way. That area is known for pheasant hunting and I think he may be into that. He also raises cattle which he has butchered and sells the cuts. PETA sticker on his truck...People who Eat Tasty Animals. That's Jerr-man.
LOL. Now that's priceless. I'd have never pegged him for the cattle though.
Pass my email addy on to him to, would ya? I'd like to say hi to him again.
Hell, maybe I'll even update this stupid blog. I was pretty pissed off when I began, but now I've moved into apathy about the whole thing.
Post a Comment