5 answers
Christina
Student
Preston, England, United Kingdom
1
Question
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how to become air traffic controller
how to become air traffic controller
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1349
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Though no degree is required to become a air traffic controllers it is very beneficial to earn an associate or bachelor's degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, because these jobs tend to be highly competitive, a two- or four-year degree from an AT-CTI school will prepare you for a career in air traffic control and earn you priority consideration. After completing the AT-CTI program, you'll receive a recommendation letter from your school making you eligible to take the Air Traffic Selection and Training exam. Students usually take this exam before graduation, but they must have met their school's requirements to receive the recommendation. It is also required to pass the FAA pre-employment test, which assesses personality and fitness. After passing the exams, you'll be eligible to apply for air traffic controller jobs. Once they have accepted a job offer, graduates are eligible to enroll in the training course at FAA Academy. FAA academy generally takes two to five months to complete, depending on your experience. It then takes another two to four years of on-the-job training to become fully certified. Air traffic controllers may become fully certified in as little as five years, or as many as eight.
Air traffic controllers should possess the following qualities:
• Concentration: Because they maintain the flow of aircraft in and out of airports and in-flight, air traffic controllers are key to aviation safety. Doing this successfully requires total concentration.
• Decision-making skills: Air traffic controllers must be able to make quick decisions that impact the safety of everyone onboard an aircraft.
• Math skills: Controllers must be able to calculate speed, time and distance and recommend changes in heading or altitude.
• Communication skills: Controllers must be able to give clear and concise instructions and use active listening skills to listen carefully to the pilot's response or requests.
Air traffic controllers should possess the following qualities:
• Concentration: Because they maintain the flow of aircraft in and out of airports and in-flight, air traffic controllers are key to aviation safety. Doing this successfully requires total concentration.
• Decision-making skills: Air traffic controllers must be able to make quick decisions that impact the safety of everyone onboard an aircraft.
• Math skills: Controllers must be able to calculate speed, time and distance and recommend changes in heading or altitude.
• Communication skills: Controllers must be able to give clear and concise instructions and use active listening skills to listen carefully to the pilot's response or requests.
Your advice was so helpful!
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs at Alaska Airlines
59
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Christina
The one thing the others have not listed is the requirements to pass a physical exam. Here is a link to the "medical" requirements.
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/foa_html/chap2_section_8.html
Below is general information on becoming an ATC (Air Traffic Controller)
https://www.howtobecome.com/how-to-become-an-air-traffic-controller
1. Various colleges offer programs to become an ATC.
2. FAA Training.
3. Military Training.
Best wishes on your journey.
The one thing the others have not listed is the requirements to pass a physical exam. Here is a link to the "medical" requirements.
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/foa_html/chap2_section_8.html
Below is general information on becoming an ATC (Air Traffic Controller)
https://www.howtobecome.com/how-to-become-an-air-traffic-controller
1. Various colleges offer programs to become an ATC.
2. FAA Training.
3. Military Training.
Best wishes on your journey.
Jerome Cannon
Certificated Flight Instructor, Retired High School Social Studies teacher
6
Answers
Pfafftown, North Carolina
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Here's a helpful link to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website that provides a detailed answer to your query:
https://www.faa.gov/be-atc
From what it seems, the FAA is currently on the lookout for individuals to take on this position. I'm acquainted with a few Air Traffic Controllers hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina. They initiated their training in the military, but it's important to note that this isn't a mandatory requirement.
https://www.faa.gov/be-atc
From what it seems, the FAA is currently on the lookout for individuals to take on this position. I'm acquainted with a few Air Traffic Controllers hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina. They initiated their training in the military, but it's important to note that this isn't a mandatory requirement.
Joanne Leniewski
HR Director
5
Answers
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
In the UK, the process to become an air traffic controller begins with an online application. Following this, you will receive an invitation to visit an assessment centre. At this centre, you will undergo various evaluations, including numerical, verbal, and spatial awareness tests.
While these tests don't have a specific syllabus that you can study, it's beneficial to familiarise yourself with their format by practicing them frequently before your assessment. This practice will help you feel more comfortable and prepared during the actual tests. You can find practice tests here: https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests/
If you successfully pass these assessments, the next step is an interview. For this, it's highly recommended to conduct thorough research on the air traffic control profession. This knowledge will equip you to articulate convincingly why you would excel in this role!
While these tests don't have a specific syllabus that you can study, it's beneficial to familiarise yourself with their format by practicing them frequently before your assessment. This practice will help you feel more comfortable and prepared during the actual tests. You can find practice tests here: https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests/
If you successfully pass these assessments, the next step is an interview. For this, it's highly recommended to conduct thorough research on the air traffic control profession. This knowledge will equip you to articulate convincingly why you would excel in this role!
Anna Pendrich
Software Development Manager
1
Answer
Eastleigh, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Keep an eye on the NATS careers page - it contains information about becoming an Air Traffic Controller. Have a look at the adverts there and see what skills you'll need to show to apply to train as a controller.
https://www.nats.aero/careers/
https://www.nats.aero/careers/