FAA processing air marshal applications from Hawai'i

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Officials have received more than 800 applications from Hawai'i residents interested in joining the expanding federal air marshal program, but there's a need for many more.

	For more information:
•	Apply online for a federal air marshal job: jobs.faa.gov. Mail-in applications are no longer available and will not be accepted.
•	Check on an existing application
•	For more information in Honolulu: Ewa Hurgo, FAA program management assistant. E-mail, eva.hurgo@faa.gov or phone, 541-1238.

Applications are only being accepted online. Requests for written applications will no longer be processed, and mailed applications will not be accepted.

The jobs pay between $35,100 and $80,800, but the demands are rigorous: Candidates must be younger than 40 years of age, in good health and able to obtain a strict federal security clearance.

Some of the Hawai'i applicants have cleared the initial screening process and have been flown to Los Angeles for further evaluation. Nationwide, however, as many as 40 percent of the applicants fail to pass that evaluation stage, Coleman said. Those who do will move on to a four-month training session.

The FAA launched the expansion after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Previously, marshals had only served on international flights.

Coleman said it's unclear if any air marshals will be based here.

"It's likely that many of those accepted for the positions will have to relocate to other cities," she said.