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Job Title:
Local Air Traffic Controller
Related Job Title:
Ground Clearance Controller, Air Traffic Controller, Tower Controller, Air Traffic Specialist
Job Description:
Air Traffic Specialists use both radar, visual information and radio communications to direct and monitor air
traffic so it flows, smoothly, efficiently and safely through US airspace. Tower or Local Controllers work from
airport control towers. They monitor movement of aircraft and give instructions to pilots for taxiing and takeoff
procedures. They give clearance to pilots for landing and takeoff and relay current weather information. One of
their primary duties is to provide and maintain separation between landing and departing aircraft in the vicinity
of the airport. This position usually rotates among the 2 other controller positions also located in the tower:
clearance delivery and ground control.
Areas of Expertise:
- Must have excellent listening and communication skills
- Thorough knowledge of the air traffic management system and the FAA regulations.
Interests and Abilities:
- Enjoy aviation and have an understanding of the science of flight
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Excellent problem solving abilities regardless of the pressure to meet a deadline.
- Enjoy a challenging work environment.
- Ability to visualize a 2-dimensional picture in a 3-dimensional way
- Ability to use a computer to get information and to help solve problems
Suggested Topics to Study in School:
- Physics
- Aeronautics or science of flight
- Meteorology
- Aviation
- Algebra and graphing of equations
- Computer training
Education and Training Needed:
- Must have a 2 or 4 year college degree before initiation of ATC training
- Successfully pass an FAA aptitude test
- Air Traffic Control Training through the FAA
- Computer training
You might want to further explore this career by checking out the web sites given below:
Federal Aviation Administration Web site
Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (FAA Training Center) Web site
National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS) Web site
Professional Women Controllers, Inc. Web site
dLearn about each part of the air traffic management system by visiting this Web site and choosing from the list of facilities that are given in the left column
FAA Academy Homepage
School of Aviation Science Air Traffic Control Web site
What can I do right now?
Spend time playing logic puzzles.
Spend time drawing maps from memory
Learn how to read all the different kinds of aeronautical charts
Take a ground school course
Join Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and participate in their activities
Practice your problem solving skills by engaging in some computer activities that have you review information and assess a situation in a short amount of time e.g. air traffic control simulation, flight simulation
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