Tips to Being an Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers ensure aviation safety by giving flight clearances, directions and information to pilots of airplanes, helicopters, airships and other aircraft. Controllers are employed at the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic control towers, high-altitude centers or terminal radar approach control facilities or with privately owned and operated control towers.
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Join the Military
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The U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force train personnel to become air traffic controllers, giving instructions to pilots at military airports both in the United States and overseas. After basic training, or "boot camp," the armed forces will train you on how to become an air traffic controller. Once you complete seven to 12 weeks of air traffic training, you will work as a controller in a highly demanding environment, possibly in a war zone. After you complete your military service, you can find work at a privately owned control tower or apply to the FAA through a special "Veterans Readjustment Appointment" air traffic control hiring announcement.
Attend an AT-CTI School
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If you want to begin your career as a civilian air traffic controller, you must work for an FAA-owned control facility, as private companies only hire people with previous FAA or military experience. Under most circumstances, you must complete a degree from an FAA-certified Air Traffic -- Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school to apply for an FAA air traffic control position. While enrolled in an AT-CTI school, you will learn the basics of aviation and air traffic control and take the FAA's AT-SAT entrance examination.
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Apply to a PUBNAT Announcement
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Occasionally, during times of great hiring need, the FAA will hold public national -- PUBNAT -- announcements inviting the general public to apply for air traffic control positions. The FAA began making PUBNAT notices in 2008, and, as of March 2011, had issued eight such hiring announcements. To apply under a PUBNAT announcement, you must fill out an application on the FAA's AVIATOR hiring website. Additionally, you must take the AT-SAT, the entrance examination for prospective FAA controllers. The odds of getting hired through a PUBNAT are very slim, so do not plan to apply to them in lieu of military experience or collegiate training.
Earn a Private Pilot License
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While not required for an air traffic control position, earning an FAA private pilot license will allow you to understand the air traffic system from an aviator's perspective. Additionally, getting a private pilot license will give you additional insight into and knowledge of aviation in general, including safety, federal regulations and weather factors. To earn a private pilot license, you must complete a minimum of 35 to 40 hours of flight training -- depending on the type of flight school you attend -- and pass FAA computerized and flying tests.
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