Air-Traffic Controllers coordinate air traffic from airport control towers, air route control centers, and flight service stations located throughout the country. Their primary concern is the safe and efficient movement of planes, both on the ground and in the air.

JOB DUTIES 

Air-Traffic Control Specialists may:

Answer radio calls from arriving and departing aircraft

Monitor and organize the flow of aircraft using radar and visual observation

Issue landing and take-off information ( Click to listen to live Air Traffic Control! )

Provide information such as the runway to be used, wind velocity and direction, visibility, taxiing instructions, and data on other aircraft in the area

Accept coordination of arriving flights from the air-traffic control center

Receive cross-country flight plans and transmitting them to the air-traffic control center

Control airport floodlights as well as boundary, runway, and hazard lights

Alert airport emergency crews when airplanes are having flight difficulties

Notify air route control centers to take over as a plane leaves the airport's jurisdiction

Airplane Dispatchers may:

Analyze weather reports to determine their effect upon flights and air routes

Delay or cancel flights if unsafe conditions exist

Recommend flight path changes by radio to planes traveling in storms or fog, with engine trouble, or in other emergencies

Prepare a log of flights, delays, and cancellations indicate the reasons for any flight plan changes

The machines, equipment, and materials used may include:

In addition, Airplane Dispatchers may use these work aids

:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Air-Traffic Controllers may specialize in these areas:

193.167-010 CHIEF CONTROLLER, TOWER or

193.162-018 TOWER AIR-TRAFFIC -CONTR OL SPEC IALISTS are responsible for directing planes within the airport area in landing, takeoff, and maneuvering procedures to prevent collisions and minimize traffic congestion.

193.167-010 CHIEF CONTROLLER, STATION or

193.162-014 STATION AIR-TRAFFIC -CONTR OL SPEC IALISTS provide information to pilots upon request, before and during flights. They work with private, corporate, and airline pilots.

193.167-010 CHIEF CONTROLLER, CENTER or

193.162-018 CENTER AIR-TRA FFIC -C ONTR OL SPEC IALISTS direct air traffic operating under instrument flight rules beyond airport control tower areas and between tower jurisdictions.

193.167-010 AIR-TRAFFIC CONTR OLLER, SUPERVISOR or

193.167-010 CHIEF CONTROLLERS supervise the activities of Air-Traffic Controllers in traffic control towers, stations, centers.

193.162-010 AIR-TRAFFIC COORDINATORS maintain radio and telephone contact with Air-Traffic Controllers to ensure maximum separation of aircraft between altitude sectors.

912.167-010 AIRPLANE DISPATCHERS authorize and control commercial airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and insure the safety of flights.

912.367-010 FLIGHT-INFORMATION EXPEDITERS determine flight times of airplanes and transmits information to flight operations and Air-Traffic Command centers.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Air-Traffic Controllers generally work together as a team under the direction of a team supervisor and assisting chief.

Air-Traffic Controllers usually work in clean, comfortable areas. Those assigned to control towers work in elevated rooms surrounded by glass from which they have a clear view of the sky and airport area. Most control towers are easily accessible, but some must be reached by climbing steep stairs. Controllers at most airports perform duties in both the control tower and the radar room. Those assigned to control centers work in large, windowless buildings in rooms that are darkened so they can effectively monitor radarscopes. Airplane Dispatchers work in air-conditioned, well lighted, and clean dispatch stations inside passenger terminals. Air-Traffic Controllers often work under great pressure and may feel the effects of mental strain.

They usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. At times, they are required to work additional hours for which they receive a higher rate of pay. Some control towers and centers must be operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a result, Controllers may be assigned to night shift, weekend, or holiday work on a rotating basis.

You Should Prefer:

• Work that requires a good memory

• Work of a technical nature

• Working with others as part of a team

You Should Be Able To:

• Assume a great deal of responsibility

• Pay strict attention to details

• Work under pressure

• Conduct a variety of activities at the same time

• Make quick, independent decisions

• Concentrate amid noise and confusion

• Evaluate information using judgment and set standards

• Plan, direct, and control multiple activities occurring

simultaneously

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a plane has 25 gallons of fuel left and a normal plane goes through a gallon of gas every 3 minutes, how long does this plane have before it runs out of fuel?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Jet propulsion is the application of such jets to the production of motion. This usually brings to mind jet planes and rockets, but squids and octopuses propel themselves by squirting jets of water.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining any problems that might have come up during the day.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to bring various aircraft down on different runways from different directions.

Beginning Air-Traffic Control applicants must be U.S. citizens, be under 31 years old and pass both a written test and a rigid physical examination required by federal civil service. Applicants must have 3 years of progressively responsible work experience, have completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree, or possess an equivalent combination of work experience and college credits. Certain kinds of aviation experience may be substituted for these requirements. Those with sufficient experience as military Controllers, pilots, or navigators may be hired without taking the test.

All Controllers must have or must obtain, within a time limit, a specialty certificate from the  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) . They must also have a rating for the facility in which they work.

Two to three years of progressively more responsible work is usually required to become a full-performance level Controller. Controllers must pass a physical examination each year and a job performance examination twice a year.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

017 AVIATION TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Aviation Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the operation and maintenance of aircraft.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com .

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

Every day, hundreds of military airplanes and helicopters take off and land all over the world. Their movements are closely controlled in order to prevent accidents. Air traffic controllers direct the movement of aircraft into and out of military airfields. They track aircraft by radar and give voice instructions by radio.

What They Do

Air traffic controllers in the military perform some of all of the following duties:

• Operate radio equipment to issue take-off, flight, and landing instructions to pilots

• Relay weather reports, airfield conditions, and safety information to pilots

• Use radar equipment to track aircraft in flight

• Plot airplane locations on charts and maps

• Compute speed, direction, and altitude of aircraft

• Maintain air traffic control records and communication logs

Physical Demands

Normal color vision, normal hearing and a clear speaking voice are required to enter this occupation. Controllers must pass a special physical exam.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include English, general mathematics, and typing. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to work under stress

• Skill in math computation

• Ability to make quick, decisive judgments

• Ability to remain alert while performing repetitive tasks

Special Requirements

Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) normally must be obtained during training.

Work Environment

Air-Traffic Controllers work in land-based and shipboard control centers.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 13 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Air traffic control fundamentals

• Visual and instrument flight procedures

• Radar and other landing approach procedures

• Communication procedures

Additional training occurs on the job. Aircraft carrier air traffic controllers receive specialized training.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian air traffic controllers work for the FAA in airports and control centers around the country. The perform duties similar to military air traffic controllers. They may specialize in specific areas, such as aircraft arrivals, departures, ground control, or in route flights.

Opportunities

The services have about 7000 Air-Traffic Controllers. Each year the need for Controllers persists due to demands in the field and changes in personnel. After job training, new Controllers normally perform duties such as ground control or work in airfields with light air traffic. With experience, they perform more difficult Controller duties. In time, they may become supervisors of other Controllers. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs   

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Since Air-Traffic Controllers perform highly skilled tasks, opportunities for exploration are limited. Postsecondary programs in aviation technology may offer work experience programs. Experience may be gained in any branch of the military service also.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

touring a local Air Traffic Controller employer

internships

volunteer work with a Air Traffic Controller employer

community service work with an agency

To become eligible for employment as an Air-Traffic Controller you must take a civil service examination at a U.S. Civil Service Commission area office. Individuals seeking airplane dispatcher jobs should apply directly to employers. Openings may appear in newspaper want ads. Airplane Dispatcher's unions may provide assistance. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

USAJOBS

Aviation Careers

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

Monster Jobs

Simply Hired

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

Yahoo! HotJobs

             You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Air-Traffic Controllers are paid according to the type of control facility where they work. Their earnings may depend also on their educational background and their skill level.

Air-Traffic Controller trainees had beginning yearly salaries of $31,209 (GS-7 level) in 2006. Full-performance level Controllers (full-rated) could progress to one of the following higher grades:

*Not found at all Air-Traffic Control facilities.  The salaries of these government workers may be higher in some urban areas. 

Air-Traffic Controllers receive extra pay for holidays, Sundays, night shift and overtime work.  Controllers also receive cost-of-living increases.

Controllers receive 13 to 26 vacation days per year, paid sick leave and holidays, partially-paid health and life  insurance. Individuals hired into these positions are covered by the special retirement program for Air-Traffic Controllers. By law, they are also subject to mandatory separation from these covered positions at the age of 56.

Most Air-Traffic Controllers begin as trainees. Trainees go through an 11-17 week training program at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City , after 2 weeks of job orientation at their assigned work location. Promotion to a full-performance level Controller is not automatic but depends on the trainee meeting prescribed training and proficiency standards. Full- performance Controllers may advance to a limited number of supervisory or managerial positions depending on their ability and on available openings. A few advance to top administrative jobs in the FAA. Airplane Dispatchers usually start in related ground-flight operation positions. With training and experience, a Dispatcher may advance from an airplane-dispatch clerk to an assistant dispatcher, a Dispatcher and then a chief dispatcher.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 2004, there were approximately 24,400 Air-Traffic Controllers employed. Employment of Air-Traffic Controllers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. About 3,500 openings are expected, to replace Controllers who retire, die, or transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Competition will be keen. The best opportunities will exist for college graduates who have had experience as Controllers, pilots, or navigators. The industry distribution for Air-Traffic Controllers looked like this:

There are about 500 Air-Traffic Controllers employed in Michigan . Most worked in various locations and were employed by the federal government. Some Airplane Dispatchers worked for domestic and international airlines, regional airlines, corporations that have their own planes, and for private firms that offer dispatch services to small airlines.

Employment of Air-Traffic Controllers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. An average of 20 annual openings per year is expected through the year 2012. Some of these openings are occurring because of the increase in air traffic. Increases in the number of Controllers at busy airports are being projected. Additional openings will result from turnover as experienced Controllers transfer to other occupations.

In terms of trends affecting the aviation industry, the FAA has recently implemented an automated air traffic control system, called the National Airspace System (NAS) Architecture. The NAS Architecture is a long-term strategic plan that will allow controllers to handle the demands of increased air traffic more efficiently. The projected agenda of the NAS Architecture includes the replacement of aging equipment, and the introduction of new systems, technologies, and procedures to enhance safety and security and support aviation growth.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2012

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

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  Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth