Education and Certification Requirements
Before being interviewed for an air traffic controller position, the applicant must complete an FAA-approved training program, including an air traffic controller exam, receive a recommendation from the air traffic controller school or air traffic controller college, meet basic federal job requirements, and pass a pre-employment test. After clearing this first screening, potential air traffic controllers must pass a drug screen, physical exam, and also a background check for security clearance.
The FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program and the Minneapolis Community and Technical College Air Traffic Control Program are the two approved program types where the pre-employment test is offered. If the candidate is a military veteran, or has prior experience as an air traffic controller, they are not required to take the exam. The test takes about eight hours and is administered electronically on a computer terminal. Because there are limited positions, if there are more candidates than positions, tests are assigned randomly to fill the positions.
Applicants must also have demonstrated three years of full time employment, have a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of both. Specific aviation experience may substitute for the work experience requirement.
Finally, applicants must meet an age restriction. Applicants must be under 31 years of age to be considered for the program.
When the candidates meet all of the requirements, they are then assigned to the Oklahoma City FAA Academy. Once the candidate successfully completes the FAA Academy, they are assigned as developmental controllers. The time required to progress from a developmental controller to a full controller usually takes between two to four years, depending on the facility. If the facility has sufficient openings and training staff on-hand, the process may be faster to complete the requirements to become a certified professional controller.
Because of the critical nature of the position, if the candidate does not pass the FAA Academy, fails their annual physical, or has unsatisfactory job performance ratings during their twice-yearly reviews, they may be dismissed immediately.
The air traffic controller is responsible for controlling air traffic on airport grounds, as well as in the air around the airport. They guide aircraft as they move between altitudes and transfer control to different centers as established by procedures and policies of the Federal Aircraft Administration. Their main responsibility is to ensure safety of the aircraft in the space they service through authorizing, controlling, and regulating commercial flights in accordance to regulations established by either the government or company.
Job tasks include ensuring radio equipment works properly and that airport lights are fully functional. In addition, because weather directly affects the ability of planes to safely take-off and land, air traffic controllers must monitor weather reports to determine if it is safe for aircraft to fly in the zones. If weather issues occur, air traffic controllers are responsible for re-routing flights using pre-approved procedures to ensure that the planes, passengers, and crew remain safe. Part of weather monitoring includes pre-flight briefings to pilots to report any turbulence or weather that requires altitude changes or re-routing.
Air space and ground space are crowded. It is the responsibility of the air traffic controller to ensure that all ground traffic and air traffic maintain safe distances as outlined by procedures. If issues occur, the controller is responsible for quickly addressing the issues with the affected pilots to maintain a safe flight environment for all.
The air traffic controller must also give take-off and landing permission to all planes leaving and arriving at the airport. Through coordinated communication with other towers and traffic control centers, the air traffic controller ensures the smooth flow of flights as they move in and out of their assigned air space to maximize safety and minimize delays.
Air traffic controllers must also be excellent administrators, as they need to compile information from the flights they control, including flight plans, radar, flight reports, and visual observations. They are also required to complete daily activity reports.
Skills
Air traffic controllers must be excellent verbal communicators. They are the link between the pilots and the air space. Air traffic controllers must be able to give clear instructions to pilots quickly. High intelligence and an excellent memory are also helpful, as the controller receives new information rapidly that will affect the flow of air traffic in their area. The air traffic controller must also make accurate decisions in a noisy, distracting environment.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for air traffic controllers is in line with the industry, with a growth rate of 10% between 2006 and 2016. As new computerized air traffic systems are implemented at airports and on airplanes, the current ratio of air traffic controllers to scheduled flights will continue to decrease. The automation of routine tasks will allow each air traffic controller to handle more aircraft. Federal budgets also play a role in limiting the growth of positions.
Most job openings will be the result of replacing retiring air traffic controllers. As a result, competition for admittance into air traffic training programs is expected to remain tight. Air traffic controller positions have higher job security than any other positions in the airline industry. Even if flights decline during economic downturns, controller positions are generally safe from layoffs.
Salary Range
Air traffic control positions are high paying jobs. An air traffic controller’s salary and benefits are usually better than average for all positions. In 2006, the median annual income for all air traffic controllers was slightly over $117,000. The average annual salary for the 90% of air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Government was $122,000.
Conclusion
The air traffic controller position will continue to be a key position in the airline industry. With the automation of routine functions, the air traffic controller will be able to increase the number of planes serviced, while maintaining a high safety level. The position looks stable through the next ten years.
