How to Become an Air Traffic Controller Post-Military

You may have to complete several weeks of air traffic control training.

You don't have to have a military background to become an air traffic controller, but you may have increased opportunities in the employment market if you do. The Federal Aviation Administration frequently announces air traffic controller employment openings to the general public and also some designed specifically for post-military applicants. In either case, your level of air traffic control experience will determine your application process.

Instructions

Experienced Veterans

1. Evaluate your eligibility to qualify as a Path 1 applicant. The FAA requires all Path 1 applicants to have a minimum of at least 52 consecutive weeks of hands-on air traffic control experience. Such experience may have taken place in either a military or a civilian facility as long as it ensures that you have comprehensive knowledge of all current air traffic control rules, regulations and laws and the skills and capability to perform all duties associated with the position. Measure your level of experience to ensure that you meet all Path 1 applicant requirements.

2. Visit the Federal Aviation Administration website and navigate to the "Career Opportunities" page. The FAA updates its career page each time a new air traffic control job becomes available, and you must apply for each desired position individually. Search FAA announcements pertaining to air traffic control positions by entering "Air Traffic Control Specialist" or "Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee" in the required fields. Use acronyms like RMC (Retired Military Controller) or VRA (Veterans Recruitment Appointment) to find positions specific to military personnel.

3. Create an ASAP account to access applications. Each job announcement on the FAA career site includes a tab labeled "Apply For This Job." Click on this tab to jump to the ASAP registration and login page. Complete all online registration procedures, choose a user name and password and log in. When logged in, locate available positions and apply for them electronically through the ASAP program website. FAA representatives will contact you via email or telephone with any hiring interest.

4. Use your ASAP account to check the status of your application. You can log in to your ASAP account at any time to change your profile information, name, address, phone number or work history. Log in regularly to check the status of your application, search for new FAA announcements outlining available positions or make changes to your account.

Veterans Without Air Traffic Experience

1. Enroll in an FAA-approved Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school. Former military personnel who have no previous training in air traffic control must complete a comprehensive course in air traffic control and successfully pass all exams to qualify for employment. As of August 2011, more than 30 FAA-approved training sites exist nationwide.

2. Apply for available positions. Veterans and civilians alike must apply for air traffic control positions as "Path 2 and 3" applicants if they have no experience in the field. After successfully completing your AT-CTI course, you will follow the same procedure as Path 1 applicants: locate FAA openings, register an ASAP account, apply for positions. However, Path 2 and 3 applicants are required to pass a pre-employment exam.

3. Wait for instructions to complete any pre-employment exams. After you've submitted your application, a contractor from the FAA Careers Division will contact you to arrange your pre-employment exam. Together you will establish a date, time and location to take the test. You must pass with a score of 70 or higher to meet with employment eligibility requirements. It generally takes four to eight weeks after application submission to receive your pre-employment testing information.

References

• The Tracon: How to Get an Air Traffic Control Job -- The Military Route
• Federal Aviation Administration; How To Become an Air Traffic Controller; March 2008
• Federal Aviation Administration: How to Apply
• Federal Aviation Administration; How to Become an Air Traffic Control Specialist; March 2008
• Federal Aviation Administration; Approved Air Traffic - Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Schools; August 2011
• Federal Aviation Administration: Pre-Employment Testing

Resources

• World Wide Learn: Air Traffic Controllers
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Air Traffic Controllers
• National Air Traffic Controllers Association: Home
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Air Traffic Control