How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers undergo thousands of hours of training and must meet strict requirements to do their jobs well. This highly paid and sought-after position ensures the safety of thousands of airline passengers each day while providing pilots with the information they need to succeed.

On average, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handles 45,000 flights daily between the nation’s 19,633 airports. With thousands of passengers and millions of dollars in freight traveling by aircraft, someone has to keep the skies safe.

Air traffic controllers do just that. These experienced professionals guide aircraft on the ground and through the skies to ensure they depart for and arrive at their destinations safely.

But how does someone become an air traffic controller? What are the qualifications? How long does training last? What’s a typical air traffic controller’s salary?

What Is an Air Traffic Controller?

Air traffic controllers are highly trained professionals who coordinate the movement of aircraft. They manage aircraft behavior near airports, helping determine when it is safe to take off or land. An air traffic controller must balance the need to keep planes and passengers safe with the efficient direction of planes to minimize delays.

An air traffic controller’s daily job duties include:

• Monitoring and directing aircraft movement in the air and on the ground.
• Controlling ground traffic on airport runways and taxiways.
• Issuing instructions to pilots for takeoffs and landings.
• Transferring control of departing flights to other control centers.
• Accepting control of arriving flights.
• Sharing vital information, including runway closures and weather, with pilots.
• Alerting airport response staff in the event of an emergency.

Why Are Air Traffic Controllers Important?

Air traffic controllers are essential for keeping planes and passengers safe when flying. They provide pilots with real-time updates about weather, altitude and other conditions. Additionally, they must manage multiple aircraft and ensure that all aircraft stay safely distanced.

Air traffic controllers also monitor air traffic to detect potential hazards, such as thunderstorms or other planes in the area. Finally, they provide emergency guidance to pilots if problems arise during flight.

Requirements for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers have strict minimum requirements for employment. The job is serious and allows zero margins for error. The training is intense. Being selected for training does not guarantee a career in the federal civilian service.

Air traffic controllers rely on a battery of skills and qualities to do their jobs well. Some of the most critical factors in determining whether an air traffic controller will thrive include the following:

• Good communication skills
• Decision-making skills
• Attention to detail
• Math skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Teamwork skills

Having the right skillset is just part of becoming an air traffic controller. Landing one of these coveted roles is a laborious process that involves the following:

Work Experience or Education

Air traffic controllers have a couple of different paths to the position. The typical progression involves earning an associate or bachelor’s degree through an FAA-approved Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.

Most air traffic controllers must have several years of progressively responsible work experience (meaning promotions). In some cases, a combination of education and experience will suffice.

Be a U.S. Citizen

Because most air traffic controllers are federal service jobs, they have a citizenship requirement. Therefore, only U.S. citizens can hold these positions.

Apply by the Age of 30

Aviation differs from other industries because the FAA highly regulates and controls the working and retirement ages. For example, air traffic controllers must apply for the job by age 30 and must retire by 56.?

But why do air traffic controllers need to start working before age 31?

There are a few reasons. First, it lets workers meet the minimum number of working years to earn a pension. It also relates to the idea that older workers may not be able to complete the training successfully.

While that assumption may seem ageist, research performed by the FAA in 1971 does support the idea that training performance declines with age.?

Pass a Medical Exam and Security Check

Air traffic controllers must meet stringent medical requirements to ensure they are healthy enough to perform the stressful work of an air traffic controller. Severe mental disorders or clinical diagnoses of psychosis will disqualify applicants.

In addition, potential air traffic controllers must pass a background and security check to prove they are trustworthy individuals who do not pose a risk to national security or the safety of the traveling public.

Be a Fluent English Speaker

English is the language of the skies. Because communication between pilots and air traffic control does not involve supportive facial expressions or gestures, air traffic controllers must be able to give pilots instructions in English without room for error.?

Aviation English is a highly specialized language that takes time to learn, and fluency in regular English is an excellent baseline.?

Complete Training at FAA Academy

All entry-level applicants must complete required training courses at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Before earning certification, they must also gain significant on-the-job experience.

After graduation, trainees receive assignments at air traffic control facilities as developmental controllers. These controllers have continued certification requirements but mainly supply pilots with basic flight information. Once they pass the certification, they may advance to positions with more responsibility within the organization.

Benefits of Becoming an Air Traffic Controller

In addition to a challenging, rewarding career that welcomes high-achievers, becoming an air traffic controller offers tangible benefits, too. Air traffic controllers enjoy high salaries and flexible retirement benefits, including a federal employees retirement system (FERS) pension plan.?

Because of the age restrictions on air traffic controllers, early retirement can be an incentive that offers the flexibility to pursue a second career or hobby later in life.

Salary Potential of Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers have incredibly stressful jobs. As a result, the FAA regulates the number of hours they may work in each shift, limiting them to 10 straight hours at a time (including breaks). In addition, they must have at least nine hours of rest between shifts.?

Because of these requirements, air traffic controllers are high-earners in the aviation industry. As of May 2021, the median wage for air traffic controllers was $138,556.

Final Thoughts on Becoming an Air Traffic Controller

Becoming an air traffic controller is challenging, and it is not a career that someone can fall into. However, it can be a good fit for those with appropriate skills and passion who want to make a difference and maintain the safety of our skies and airports.?

It takes a ton of work to land this coveted aviation role, but it can pay off for those with the mettle to meet the requirements.

Top Takeaways

• Becoming an air traffic controller takes hours of study and training.
• Air traffic controllers are federal employees subject to strict requirements, including frequent medical and security checks.
• Air traffic controllers must begin work by age 31 and retire by the time they turn 56.
• Because this is a stressful job, the median air traffic controller salary is $138,556 per year.