How to Be an Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe flying, landing and taking off of planes, civilian and/or military. These fine tuned, ultra attentive professionals earn an average of 120k a year for their precise and watchful eyes. Here's how to become an air traffic controller.

Instructions

1. Check your date of birth; many air traffic controller training programs and/or jobs require that you are under a certain age. Make sure that your age doesn't disqualify you.

2. Attend one of the approximately 35 or so approved air traffic controller schools; there are varying lengths of training programs (usually between 2-4 years). Choose the program length that works best for your situation and long term goals.

3. Enter the military to speed up (or skip) the conventional route of air traffic controller training. This is an option, definitely not a requirement, but there is a rather smooth transition between a military career and an air traffic controller career.

4. Apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directly after graduating from an air controller school.

5. Complete the FAA work simulations and other intensive training. This portion of the training usually lasts around 6 months.

6. Attend another 6 months of FAA administered on-the-job training. This portion of air traffic controller training will be much more specific to your final job placement.

7. Pick a specialization (landing, take off, flight watch, specific tower location, etc) and start looking for air traffic controller jobs.