Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safety of commercial and private aircraft. In addition to safety, they work to minimize delays in traffic. Controllers maintain air traffic by ensuring that all planes are within a safe distance of each other. They control airport traffic as well as flight paths.
Career Opportunities
Airport tower or terminal controllers are responsible for all airport traffic. This can be a very stressful job in busy airports. Controllers use visual and radar observation to monitor planes. They also inform pilots of severe weather conditions, rerouting their destination in extreme cases. Upon arrival, several controllers are responsible for a plane. Pilots radio the terminal upon approach. The controller either directs the pilot to a clear runway or fits him into a traffic pattern until a runway is open. As the plane nears the runway, the pilot contacts the second controller – the tower controller. This individual monitors the plane watching for any other aircraft that may interfere. Upon landing, a ground controller directs the aircraft to a gate. The terminal and tower controllers use radar. The ground controller uses visual observation to guide the plane. The only exception to this would be if visibility were poor. In this case, radar is used. Upon departure, this procedure is reversed. Enroute controllers work in control centers around the country. They are responsible for aircraft between airports. They typically work in teams of three; each team controlling a portion of the center’s airspace. Radar associate controllers receive flight plans that are about to enter their airspace. Any aircraft on the same path are redirected to avoid collision. Radar controllers then communicate with pilots about weather conditions, nearby planes, or airport closures. Once a plane has left the team’s airspace, control is handed over to the next center’s controllers. It is important to note that most controllers monitor several planes at the same time. Flight service specialists work in flight service stations located around the country. These specialists do not manage air traffic. They are available to assist in emergencies or to search for missing or overdue planes. They also provide pilots with important preflight information, such as weather, terrain, and suggested flight routes.
Necessary Qualifications
FAA – approved education programs are available to those individuals interested in becoming air traffic controllers. Upon completion of this program, students are required to pass a pre-employment test. In addition, candidates are required to have three years of related experience or four years of college. Drug screening, a medical exam, and a background screening are also required. After all of these requirements are met and a candidate is selected, he will attend the FAA academy in Oklahoma City. This is a twelve-week program that teaches the fundamentals of air traffic control. Air traffic controllers must have good memories and be extremely articulate. This assists in communicating with pilots in a concise manner. The ability to handle stressful situations is imperative. The life of the pilots and all of the passengers is in the hands of an air traffic controller.
Salary and Advancement
Air traffic controllers work a standard forty-hour week with paid overtime, when necessary. They often rotate between night and day shifts. Entry-level jobs often include simply supplying flight information to pilots. The arrival controller and radar controller hold higher positions. Annual salaries range between $46,000 and $131,000. Those working for the busiest centers are often paid the higher salaries. Due to high stress, controllers are able to retire after twenty years of service at the age of 50. They can retire at any age after twenty-five years of service. Mandatory retirement at the age of 56 is enforced.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Air Traffic Controllers.
This article may not be copied, used, or reproduced.
copyright 2005
|
|
|
|