How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers have a very important job, to manage flight patterns. They not only manage when planes land and take off, but they also work to keep aircraft a safe distance apart. If you are looking for a challenging but rewarding career, then become an air traffic controller. These steps will show you how to enter this field.

Instructions

1. Enter the field early. Air traffic controller candidates have to be under 30 years of age.

2. Confirm that you are a U.S. citizen. You have to be a citizen to be accepted as an air traffic controller candidate by the FAA.

3. Complete your education at an FAA approved educational institution with an air traffic-related field of study. Currently there are only 14 schools that the FAA accepts candidates from. A few of these schools include: Daniel Webster College, Miami-Dade College, Purdue University and Vaughn College. You can also complete your prerequisite education in the military. If you have military air traffic control training then you don't have to graduate from a civilian college to be accepted as an FAA candidate.

4. Apply for a job with the FAA. Once accepted as an air traffic controller candidate by the FAA you will then be enrolled in the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Academy. At this point you will be able to choose between an en route specialization or a terminal specialization.

5. Complete intensive training and internship programs. These training programs may include on-the-job training sessions, simulator training, preparation classes and finally certification examinations.

6. Take your post as an air traffic controller at an air control tower in a town of your choice. Positions are available across the country. You can put in a request for an airport that you are interested in, but there are no guarantees there will be openings at the time you apply.

Resources

• Learn more about being an air traffic controller.