Commercial and private planes are kept safe and on course to their destinations at all times by an air traffic controller. A professional air traffic controller’s job is often fast-paced, stressful, and demanding, and it necessitates a strong personality and a lot of self-assurance. To become an air traffic controller, a person must typically complete extensive educational and training requirements as well as pass both written and practical certification exams. Although requirements differ by country, most countries expect a new professional to spend at least six years in classroom and practical training before becoming an air traffic controller.
A four-year bachelor’s degree from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accredited university or a combination of college work and practical experience in an aviation facility is usually required to become an air traffic controller in the United States. Students typically receive physics, aeronautics, and computer science instruction in the classroom, as well as hands-on training with flight simulators and real-world air traffic control equipment. In most other countries, prospective air traffic controllers are educated and trained by government agencies similar to the FAA.
The most successful students are given the opportunity to take pre-employment exams after graduation in order to be considered for advanced training and entry-level jobs. The pre-employment test is a computer-based, comprehensive examination that can take up to eight hours to complete. A person who passes the test and receives positive recommendations from his or her school is eligible to apply for jobs and enroll in a 12-week FAA training program. A new air traffic controller learns about various FAA regulations and procedures during training, as well as practicing on simulators and becoming more familiar with equipment.
After completing FAA training, a person can begin working as an assistant or apprentice to an experienced air traffic controller. Before receiving certification, he or she may spend up to four years gaining on-the-job training and experience. A person can usually become an air traffic controller and start working unsupervised after demonstrating his or her abilities in practical settings and passing periodic written exams.
To become an air traffic controller, an individual must possess a number of important character traits in addition to the training requirements. A person must be self-assured, capable of making quick decisions and solving problems, an effective communicator, and a good leader. In order to keep planes and passengers safe at all times, an aspiring air traffic controller must have strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail. He or she must be alert, motivated, and completely dedicated to the task at hand.