Air traffic controllers coordinate the flights of various aircraft to prevent accidents and minimize delays in taking off and landing.
Airport tower controllers work in towers near the runways of major airports. Using radio equipment, they give aircraft pilots permission to taxi, take off, or land. In doing this, they must consider the weather; the wind; and the number, size, and speed of other aircraft in the area. They must pass on all this information to the pilots they are instructing. They remain in contact with airport traffic controllers to prevent congestion. The airport tower controller's duties also include operating the runway lights and other airfield electronic equipment.
After a plane takes off, airport tower controllers notify en route controllers, who take charge of the flight from there. There are 21 en route control centers throughout the country, most of which are located near large cities. Each center is responsible for a certain air sector and employs between 300 and 400 controllers. These controllers use radar and other electronic equipment to give radio instructions to pilots who are en route from one airport to another. The controllers help pilots stay on course, warn them about obstacles, and give them other important flight information. To do this they must remain in constant touch with airline dispatch offices, airline radio stations, airway communication stations, airport control towers, and the U.S. Weather Bureau.
Education and Training
Air traffic controllers are trained intensively after they are hired. However, employers prefer candidates who offer previous experience in a related field. The minimum requirements are 3 years of work experience in aviation, o years of college, or a combination of the two. Military service provides a good opportunity for appropriate work experience. Working as a commercial pilot, air dispatch operator, or aircraft navigator is also acceptable.
Other requirements for air traffic controllers are excellent health, vision correctable to 20/20, and a clear speaking voice. The ability to work well under extreme pressure is also important. Applicants for most jobs must be under 31 years old.
Getting the Job
Air traffic controllers are selected through the competitive federal civil service system. They must pass written and physical tests. They must also undergo a week-long screening at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy in Oklahoma City.
Once accepted at the academy, they receive 7 months of intensive training, where they learn the fundamentals of the airway system, federal aviation regulations, controller equipment, and certain specialized tasks. Controllers must learn to operate such equipment as ground-to-air radio transmitters and receptors, radar, radio, teletype, and telephone. All candidates are trained in simulated conditions at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma City. Afterward, candidates undergo additional training at the location where they will eventually be working.
It takes between 2 and 3 years to become a fully qualified air traffic controller. Each year a candidate must pass a physical examination. Twice a year a rigorous job performance examination is administered.
Employment Outlook
New controllers usually begin by supplying pilots with basic flight and airport information. Then they can move through the ranks of ground controller, local controller, departure controller, and arrival controller. At en route control centers, controllers serve as radar associate controllers and then radar controllers. Controllers may also transfer to different locations or advance to supervisory, management, or administrative positions in the FAA. Some advance to chief controllers of their facility. Others move into management jobs in air traffic control.
The employment outlook for air traffic controllers is expected to be fair. Airports and aircraft are increasing in number, and air space is becoming more and more congested. As a result, there should be a need for more air traffic controllers. However, turnover is relatively low in this field because of the high pay and the young age of most workers.
In addition, applicants for this job face stiff competition. The number of qualified people seeking work in this field exceeds the number of positions that become available each year.
Working Conditions
Air traffic controllers work 40 hours a week. However, most air traffic controllers must work some night shifts. These are assigned on a rotating basis. Air traffic controllers receive overtime pay or equal time off for night shifts and any time over 40 hours. Control facilities are clean, well lighted, and well ventilated.
Air traffic controllers work under great pressure. Every decision they make is vitally important because the lives of many people are in their hands. They must be able to cope with these pressures on a day-to-day basis as well as in emergency situations.
Earnings and Benefits
Salaries for controllers depend on the type and size of the airport-whether it is a large international airport or a very small regional facility. Controllers who start at the FAA earn about $29,500 a year. Salaries for all controllers average $46,000. Most controllers have 13 to 26 days of paid vacation and 13 days of paid sick leave each year. Other benefits include health and life insurance and a more liberal retirement program than that of other federal employees.
