The realities of air traffic controller jobs
Have you ever thought about how all those airplanes fly safely in and out of airports? It’s all thanks to some amazing people called air traffic controllers. As a Flight Operations Officer, I have had the chance to work alongside these unsung heroes for a long time. And let me tell you, their job is amazing. In this article, we’re going to learn about air traffic controller jobs, what types of air traffic controller jobs are out there, air traffic controller career requirements and qualifications, what it takes to become a controller, and more.
Decoding air traffic controller jobs
Although I control overall flight handling processes, I often work with my fellow air traffic controller colleagues. So, with my experience working with them, I can tell you that becoming one is not an easy task. You have to be dedicated and put in all your hard work. But it is also incredibly rewarding. Here are the first steps you need to take before you become an air traffic controller.
Air traffic controller requirements
First, you will need a high school diploma or GED. This is your journey’s foundation for further training and opportunities. Next, you need to fulfill some physical and other requirements.
Meeting the basics
You must be a US citizen and pass a medical exam, drug test, and background check. The age limit to complete the FAA training is 31, so you want to make sure you have the time and energy to dedicate to this exciting journey.
On top of that, you’ll need to speak English clearly and score well on a language proficiency test. Finally, you have to relocate to an FAA facility. As the work goes on, you might have to work at different locations throughout your air traffic controller career.
What are the physical and mental requirements for the job?
Since I’ve worked as a Flight Operation Officer for years, I’ve seen firsthand the amazing skills my fellow air traffic controller colleagues need. Here’s what it takes to be an air traffic controller
Being physically fit for the job
Overall health
Air traffic controllers need to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) physical and medical standards, such as having good overall health, clear vision, and normal color vision.
Long hours
Controllers often work long shifts, adding the nights and weekends. They even work up to 10 hours a day and are on duty for extended periods. You need to have the stamina to handle these demanding schedules.
Hear everything clearly
Clear communication is very important in the control tower. You need to understand everything being said to communicate effectively in the tower.
Keeping your mind sharp
Stress management
Air traffic control is a pressure cooker. Controllers manage a lot of airplanes and make critical decisions all day. If you want to become one, you need practice to stay calm and make good decisions under pressure.
Attention to detail
Every detail matters when it comes to air traffic control. So, air traffic controllers pay super close attention to detail to everything that’s going on around them.
Think like a problem solver
Things can change fast in the air, so you need to be good at analyzing situations and making quick decisions to keep everyone safe.
Pre-employment training
Next, you are facing pre-employment training. You have a few options here.
- Work experience
Do you have at least three years of experience in jobs with increasing responsibility? That can count towards your training.
- Higher education
Got a four-year degree in aviation or a related field? It is another great path.
- Combined approach
You can also combine work experience and education to reach 3 years total.
AT-CTI programs
Look into Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) programs at some colleges. You can get specialized training in air traffic management and other aviation subjects from these programs. Graduates even get a letter of recommendation to boost their job applications.
Military service
You can even get air traffic control experience in the military. Veterans with air traffic control experience can leverage that experience and potentially get credits toward an air traffic control degree.
Seizing the opportunity
Check out for hiring announcements on USAJOBS.gov. These windows typically open for a short time, so stay informed.
Academy training
If you get selected, get ready for an intensive training adventure at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Here, you will get the knowledge and skills you need to excel as an air traffic controller through classroom learning and simulations. Your training will last for two to five months. They even have little competitions during the course like the students with higher course scores get to choose their site assignment first. Studying hard definitely pays off here.
On-the-job development
After graduating from the academy, you’ll become a developmental controller. Then, you will work alongside experienced controllers and gain real-world experience under their watchful eyes. This phase can take 1.5 to 3 years, but here, you truly learn the ins and outs of the job.
Air traffic controller jobs – Reaching the summit
Finally, after all that training and hard work, you will become an FAA-certified professional controller (CPC).
Growth of air traffic controllers
As a Flight Operation Officer, I have seen many new people start their air traffic control careers. It is amazing to watch them grow.
Entry-level opportunities
Today, you can find so many entry-level air traffic controller jobs online or in other job forums. Here, you can learn the first steps of your exciting career from experienced controllers. Your job starts with helping out more experienced air traffic controllers, and then you slowly get more responsibilities as you learn more and become more confident.
International horizons
I have also seen some air traffic controllers dream of working internationally. Many have achieved it and reached the highest levels of air traffic control. The international air traffic controller jobs give you an entirely different experience. Why? It is because you get to work in different countries and experience new cultures. But do not forget that these jobs can be challenging, too. You will need to be flexible and adaptable to the job. And sometimes you would even need to learn new languages to do the job well.
Air traffic controller jobs – The Job Market and other career prospects
So, what is the job market like for air traffic controllers? It is actually pretty good. There are currently an estimated 24,900 air traffic controllers in the United States. And it is expected to grow by 3.6% between 2016 and 2026 even though there are not many new positions opening up each year. This is because some controllers will retire or move on to other jobs and it creates those openings.
But there is good news, too. Although the growth is slow, the average salary for air traffic controllers in the US is pretty high, around $94,603. Air traffic controllers’ median annual wage was $137,380 in May 2023. Of course, this can vary depending on your experience, location, and the specific role you have. For example, in the UK, an air traffic controller’s average salary is £52,400 gross per year.
New frontiers in air traffic control
Air traffic control isn’t only about working in the airport towers anymore. There are actually new and exciting opportunities emerging for air traffic controllers.
Work from anywhere with remote air traffic controller jobs
Imagine controlling airplanes comfortably at your home office. These positions are becoming more common today. And they help our fellow controllers to work from different locations. It’s a unique opportunity with its own challenges and experiences. From what I have seen, remote air traffic controllers often work in roles like,
- Air Traffic Control Liaison Controller-in-Charge
- Terminal/Tower Controller
- Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Experts
No matter their specific role, all the remote air traffic controller jobs share some key responsibilities.
- Staying aware of everything that’s happening in their airspace (situational awareness)
- Guide planes safely and efficiently
- Keep up with the latest aviation information
Serve your country with military air traffic controller jobs
Do you have a passion for aviation and serving your country? Then, military air traffic control could be the perfect fit for you. But you need some extra qualifications for these positions, like proficiency in multiple languages and being an expert on military aviation regulations.
Military air traffic controllers do a serious job in the air. They track all aircraft types, from jets to helicopters, and make sure everything runs smoothly and safely. That’s not all. They,
- Use radar and other advanced tools to track aircraft
- Operate communication equipment to talk to pilots
- Coordinate and share information about aircraft movements
These are just a couple of ways air traffic control is changing. You can find many varieties and opportunities in the air traffic controller career.
The pressure and the payoff
What are the risks and challenges associated with the job? Being an air traffic controller is a fantastic job, but like any profession, they also face risks and challenges.
High stress
Air traffic controllers handle a lot of responsibility. They basically manage thousands of lives on planes every day. So, when this constant pressure combines with their hardcore focus, they sometimes feel stress and burnout in the control tower.
Air traffic controller jobs – Quick decisions
Things change fast in the sky, so the controllers make split-second decisions in tough situations. It is a part of their job. They juggle different planes, weather conditions, and even emergencies. If they make any mistake, it could be serious for everyone.
Never-ending training
As I mentioned, the Air traffic control field constantly changes. New technologies, regulations, and procedures are introduced constantly, so controllers have to keep learning and adapting to stay on top of it all. It is a big mental challenge!
The body & mind connection
For this job, you need laser focus for long hours. I’ve seen controllers sitting all day and working odd shifts all the time. But if you’re not careful, it is not great for your health, and the pressure can take a toll mentally.
Air traffic controller jobs – The thrill of the job
Although there are many challenges, my fellow air traffic controller colleagues know their work is incredibly rewarding. Their best motivator is knowing that they are keeping everyone safe in the sky.
A job for problem solvers
Do you love a good puzzle? What about figuring things out? Do you enjoy it? Then you would love to join air traffic control. I always see controllers constantly analyze situations and solve problems. It is very satisfying for them.
Is air traffic control a good career choice? Being an air traffic controller is not for everyone. You have to handle the pressure, have the skills, have an interest in aviation in general. But if that sounds like you, then being an air traffic controller can be amazing. You can get this chance to play an important role in keeping everyone safe in the sky. And the career opportunities are great.
Can I get a job as an air traffic controller with a criminal record? Absolutely, a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from becoming an air traffic controller. That’s good news, right? What’s important is what kind of crime you did and how you have moved forward since then. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is very tough on drug and alcohol offenses, so those will automatically disqualify you. But for other felonies, they will take a closer look. They want to see you as a responsible person now.
Here’s what can help your chances
- Be honest and tell them everything upfront about your past offense.
- Show growth; let them see how you’ve changed and have become a responsible person.
- Get a clean slate. Try to get your record expunged if you can.
They will also do a thorough background check, so honesty is always the best policy. Each case is unique, so the FAA will consider various factors when making their decision. If you can show you’ve learned from your mistakes and are on the right track, you could still be an air traffic controller.
Air traffic controller jobs – Conclusion
Air traffic controllers do amazing work behind the scenes to make sure the airplanes don’t bump into each other. They are the ones who make sure everything runs smoothly and safely in the busy sky. As an air traffic controller, you need to be sharp, focused, and able to handle pressure like a champion. If you’re up for the challenge and love airplanes, this could be your dream job. In this article, we discussed many air traffic controller jobs out there, from working in busy airport towers to behind-the-scenes control centers. You can even work internationally or in the military.
More and more people fly all the time, so air traffic controllers jobs are in high demand. So, if you’ve got the skills, the work ethic, and the passion for aviation, don’t wait anymore. There are many challenges, but nothing feels better when you know you keep everyone safe in the skies at the end of the day.
