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Air traffic control careers are just one of the many
specializations in the field of aviation, working within a large
network of control and operations systems to coordinate public
and private aircrafts. An air traffic controller is responsible
for directing planes and ensuring safety of takeoffs and
landings. An air traffic control career can be very rewarding,
and competition to get into an FAA training program for a career
in this field is very high. In order to become an air traffic
controller, an individual must pass the air traffic controller
exam and take part in hands-on training for relevant experience.
What Does an Air Traffic Controller Do?
An air traffic controller is responsible for minimizing delays in airport
traffic, and directing aircraft to their designated airspaces. An air traffic
controller school helps students learn specific hand movements and gestures that
are used in the system, and the air traffic controller is usually working with a
team of several controllers to direct and coordinate each plane’s activity. Air
traffic controllers must exhibit sound judgment, have strong communication
skills, and adhere to procedures and protocols as designated by the airline or
airport. An air traffic controller is responsible for following all FAA
guidelines during service, and this is taught at air traffic controller schools
and training programs around the country.
Air Traffic Control Job Description
After a comprehensive training and education program at air traffic controller
school, graduates are responsible for:
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Determining traffic patterns and communicating information to the terminal
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Working with pilots and air traffic controller teams to transmit data
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Informing the pilot about local conditions, wind, and visibility during
takeoffs and landings
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Working with flight plans and scheduling takeoffs and landings accordingly
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Working with the airport tower and enroute controllers for each plane’s
activity
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Overseeing plane traffic systems, and identifying any problems within the
system
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Maintaining steady traffic levels so that all planes can takeoff and land on
schedule
Air Traffic Controller Careers
Air traffic controller schools prepare students for a variety of fields in the
aviation and flight industry, and graduates may pursue careers as a:
Some air traffic controllers choose to work at the FAA’s Air Traffic Control
Systems Command Center in Hendon, VA where they work with the national air
traffic coordination system. Here they are involved with troubleshooting and
detecting any problems in the flow of air traffic, and work with the National
Airspace System (NAS) Architecture system to meet the demands of each airport.
Training for an Air Traffic Controller Career
In order to pursue an air traffic controller career, an individual
needs to pass the air traffic controller exam. They can do this after enrolling
in an FAA-approved education program, and these can be found at air traffic
controller schools and other FAA training facilities. Many technical colleges
and trade schools also offer air traffic controller education and training
programs, but air traffic control school is a simple way to complete all of the
necessary educational requirements in preparation for the air traffic controller
exam.
Air Traffic Controller
School: Education Programs and
Classes
After completing a pre-employment test for an air traffic
controller career, students must pass the test and apply for a position. Only a
few students are selected to take the air traffic controller examination, and
this is coordinated through random selection. Applicants must have at least 3
years of full-time work experience and/or completed a full 4 years of college.
In some cases, a prospective air traffic controller may substitute aviation and
fieldwork experience for semester credits.
If a prospective air traffic controller completes the FAA-approved
program from an air traffic control school or other institution, they must meet
additional requirements to be eligible for employment. An air traffic controller
must:
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Be less than 31 years of age
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Achieve a qualifying score on the FAA-authorized pre-employment test
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Pass a medical exam
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Undergo drug screening
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Obtain security clearance
After selection, the candidate must attend the FAA Academy in
Oklahoma City, OK for a rigorous 12-week training program. Here they learn the
basic procedures and guidelines for air traffic control systems at any airport
in the country, including:
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FAA regulations and laws
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Air traffic controller equipment
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Aircraft performance and diagnostics
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Fundamentals of airway systems
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Other specialized tasks
Each graduate of air traffic control school achieves the status of
‘developmental controller’ and assigned to an air traffic control facility. It
can take between 2-4 years to complete the necessary on-the-job training for an
official position. If a candidate fails to meet all the requirements during the
training period or meet certification expectations, they are dismissed from the
program completely.
Passing the Air Traffic Controller Exam
The air traffic controller exam is a comprehensive test that is usually
administered via a computer. The exam covers essential principles and guidelines
about air traffic control, along with challenging problem-solving questions and
mathematical components. Air traffic control schools recommend that students
take the Air Traffic Controller examination as early as possible during their
career; there is a twelve-month waiting period after failure of the exam, and
early completion may lead to quicker advancement through the training program.
Career Potential and Employment Prospects for an Air Traffic Controller Career
An air traffic controller career can be very rewarding, but does require
consistent attention, diligent training, and self-discipline. Employment of air
traffic controllers is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations
through 2014. Increasing technology and better computer systems are limiting the
number of jobs available for an air traffic controller career, but more job
openings are expected as older workers retire and require replacement.
Competition to get into and complete the FAA training program is fierce, and
many potential air traffic controllers simply do not make it through the
rigorous training program and examinations.
Median annual earnings of air traffic controllers were $102,030 in 2004, with
the highest salaries exceeding $125,000. The Federal Government employs over 90%
of air traffic controllers, and most positions are provided with 13-26 days of
paid vacation, 13 days of paid sick leave, and comprehensive life insurance and
health benefits each year.
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