Hi, my name is Olivia, and in this video I'm going to give a brief introduction to the
subject of Air Traffic Control as a career.
Air traffic control jobs are available for anyone seeking a first or second career in
aviation.
The demand has been created by both the natural churn of controllers and the growing aviation
industry.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe and expeditious movement of aircraft
in and around airports and other-high traffic areas.
They coordinate take-offs and landings and make sure all the aircraft stay a safe distance
apart.
Controllers communicate with pilots during flights to direct them during take-off and
landing and to tell them about their route, weather conditions, runway closures, and other
important information.
The main purpose of air traffic control is to help the aircraft safely get to its destination.
The job is also important for minimizing delays at the airport.
Air traffic controllers help aircraft arrive and leave as smoothly and quickly as possible
while staying safe.
What It's Like to Be an Air Traffic Controller.
Air traffic controllers usually work in control facilities or towers.
Because most are responsible for aircraft take-offs and landings ATC towers are usually
within the airfield boundary.
But some air traffic control facilities may be located miles away from the nearest airport.
Some control facilities may be semi-dark, in order to enhance concentration on the information
displayed on screens.
Air traffic control jobs are essential, but they can be stressful at times.
Controllers usually work eight-hour shifts, during which a lot of concentration is required.
Since aircraft fly at all hours of the day and night, air traffic controllers may have
to switch between day and night shifts, or work on weekends and holidays.
The Federal Aviation Authority limits shifts to 10 hours and requires that controllers
have at least 9 hours of rest between shifts.
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller.
One way to become an air traffic controller is to get an Associate's or Bachelor's degree
from an approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program.
There are 36 schools in the United States that offer AT-CTI programs.
You can also become a controller if you have at least three years of work experience, a
bachelor's degree in another field, or a combination of the two.
According to the Federal Aviation Authority, one year of college or 30 semester hours is
equal to nine months of work experience.
To begin a career in air traffic control in the United States, you must be younger than
31 years of age.
You also must complete training at the Federal Aviation Authority Academy in Oklahoma City,
pass a pre-employment test, and undergo a medical exam.
Career Prospects for Air Traffic Controllers.
As of 2017, there were just under 23,000 air traffic controllers working in the United
States.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of air traffic control jobs will
grow by 3 percent by 2026.
The field is highly competitive with many candidates applying for each opening, but
jobs do open up fairly regularly as air traffic controllers are eligible to retire earlier
than most people.
Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers.
In 2017, the median salary for air traffic controllers was $124,540.
The highest 10 percent of workers earned over $175,800, and the lowest 10 percent of workers
earned less than $67,440.
Your salary depends on your years of experience, the location of your facility, and the complexity
of your flight paths.
As you complete extra levels of on-the-job training, your salary may increase.
This concludes this brief introduction.
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