Air Traffic Controllers

What Does it Take to Be an Air Traffic Controller?

Position Description

Control air traffic on and within the vicinity of the airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Life As an Air Traffic Controller

• Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
• Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.
• Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
• Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
• Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
• Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.

What an Air Traffic Controller Should Know

When polled, Air Traffic Controllers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs :

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring / Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Types of Air Traffic Controller

Job Outlook for Air Traffic Controllers

In the United States, there were 24,900 jobs for Air Traffic Controller in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.6%, which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 900 new jobs for Air Traffic Controller by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,400 positions for Air Traffic Controller per year.

The states with the most job growth for Air Traffic Controller are Nevada, Nebraska, and Louisiana . Watch out if you plan on working in Michigan, Wisconsin, or West Virginia . These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

The average yearly salary of an Air Traffic Controller ranges between $68,090 and $178,650.

Air Traffic Controllers who work in Illinois, Virginia, or New Hampshire make the highest salaries.

What Tools do Air Traffic Controllers Use?

Although they're not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Air Traffic Controllers :

How do I Become an Air Traffic Controller?

What education or degrees do I need to become an Air Traffic Controller?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Air Traffic Controllers?

Below are examples of industries where Air Traffic Controllers work :

J-18808-Ljbffr