Air Traffic Controllers?
Who are
What do Air Traffic Controllers do?
Air traffic controllers are professionals in the field of aviation. They coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that planes stay safe distances apart during takeoffs, landings, and while they are en route to their destinations.
More details at the bottom of the page!
Potential Paths of education
Work Experience
By completing three years of progressively responsible, full-time work you can potentially become an air traffic controller. This means you DO NOT have to have a college diploma to become an air traffic controller.
Higher Education
A two year associates degree, four year bachelor's degree, or six year master degree can all provide the necessary education required.
Military
Being taught by the military gives you multiple benefits that help you become an civilian air traffic controller.
Basic Requirments
- 20/20 vision
- No family history of certain diseases or mental conditions
- Must be under 31 years old to be hired
- Must retire at age 56
- Pass periodic drug screenings
- Pass yearly medical examinations
Air Traffic Control Job Description
Air traffic controllers are professionals in the field of aviation. They coordinate the
movement of air traffic to ensure that planes stay safe distances apart during takeoffs, landings, and while they are en route. However, to become one of these elite, many requirements must be passed and upheld throughout their career.
Physically and mentally, controllers are required to be in excellent shape. For example,
20/20 vision is required, and you cannot have a family history of certain diseases or mental conditions. Age is also another determining factor. You may not become an air traffic controller if you above the age of 31. And you are forced to retire at age 56 if you have 20 years of credible service. In order to ensure the safety of all citizens, students are also required to pass periodic drug screenings and have yearly medical examinations in order to remain employed.
Education is an important factor in the ability to become an air traffic controller. There
are numerous options, however, that allow you to get the required education to become an air traffic controller, and these include: three years of progressively responsible full-time work, a degree from an FAA-certified Collegiate Training Initiative school, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. Military training is also another one of the potential options. Whatever the way, the pay is excellent with the average mean wage of air traffic controllers being $117,300.