For years it was apparent that there would be a shortage of ATC
controllers due to retirements, but FAA delayed precutting more. Now
this:


CONTROLLER HIRING PUSH CREATES CLASS STRUGGLE
(http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#195087)
The FAA's unprecedented recruiting drive for air traffic controllers
has caused bitter division between the new recruits and those who've
taken the college route to the console. Pat Forrey, president of the
National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told AVweb in an
interview (http://www.avweb.com/alm?podcast20070430&kw=Flash) that
controller trainees who have gone through college, often amassing
large student loans, are now training side by side with people who
have almost literally been pulled off the street and into the program.
"It's causing a rift amongst the new hires," Forrey said. Ironically,
though, Forrey said it's unlikely the off-the-street trainees are at
any significant competitive disadvantage against their college-trained
classmates.
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#195087