Become An Air Traffic Controller

If you’re detail-oriented, are fascinated with airplanes, and are interested in a starting salary that can run close to $100,000, you might consider becoming an air traffic controller. The U.S. government plans to hire thousands of controllers in the years ahead, making it an especially promising field. Since most of the current controllers are expected to retire by 2011, there’s a real need for people who are willing to take up the air traffic control challenge. Also, because of the large number of airports around the country, if you live in a major metropolitan area, chances are there’s a need for controllers in your geographical region.

The primary responsibility of an air traffic controller is to coordinate the movement of airplanes to ensure that air traffic moves in an orderly fashion. As a result, it’s a position of tremendous responsibility, since a controller is called upon to make decisions that can literally save lives.

In order to qualify to become an air traffic controller, you need to have four years of college or three years of experience working full-time. If you have no experience in air traffic control, you’ll also need to complete a computerized eight-hour pre-employment exam.

Once hired, you’ll be attending a ten week training session, where you’ll have an opportunity to work on a simulator device which enables you to get a feel for what it’s really like to direct air traffic. After you complete that training, you’ll have to work and train for several more years before you will be considered fully qualified.

While the training process can be quite challenging, those who complete it say it’s well worth the effort. That’s because the work of an air traffic controller can be incredibly rewarding—not only financially, but also in terms of overall job satisfaction.

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