Student Aid on the Web Skip Navigation

Career Details : Air Traffic Controllers

   << Back    Add Career to MyFSA

Description

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Determines timing of and procedure for flight vector changes in sector.
  • Communicates with, relays flight plans to, and coordinates movement of air traffic between control centers.
  • Controls air traffic at and within vicinity of airport.
  • Completes daily activity report and keeps record of messages from aircraft.
  • Directs radio searches for aircraft and alerts control centers/emergency facilities of flight difficulties.
  • Transfers control of departing flights to traffic control center and accepts control of arriving flights from air traffic control center.
  • Inspects, adjusts, and controls radio equipment and airport lights.
  • Issues landing and takeoff authorizations and instructions, and communicates other information to aircraft.
  • Relays air traffic information, such as altitude, expected time of arrival, and course of aircraft to control centers.
  • Analyzes factors, such as weather reports, fuel requirements, and maps, to determine flights and air routes.
  • Recommends flight path changes to planes traveling in storms or fog or in emergency situations.
  • Reviews records and reports for clarity and completeness and maintains records and reports.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
       TOP    

    • End of Page