An Overview on Air Traffic Controller Training
Being an Air traffic Controller is a demanding job. It is demanding in both its importance and the requirements for air traffic controller training. There is great responsibility and a rigorous hiring process, but the pay and benefits for air traffic controllers is also good.
According to theBureau of Labor and Statisitcsthe average air traffic controller was paid $112,000 as of March 2009. Air traffic controllers also have generous federal pensions and the ability to retire after 25 years of service.
The pay and benefits are nice, but what is the training needed to become an air traffic controller?
There are basically three ways to get an air traffic controller job. Previous experience in the FAA or DOD in an air traffic controller job, completion of training at one of 31 schools that are certified for the FAA’s Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Or previous government or DOD experience.
Most of the trainees for Air Traffic Controller Training come from either military personal who are trained to be Air traffic Controllers for their military duties or those that attend the AT-CTI schools. These requirements get the fresh new Air traffic Controller a foot in the door, but it is far from the only training.
Those without actual prior "hand-on" experience must first pass a difficult 8 hour FAA pre-employment test. A person needs to apply for an open job slot, and be screened and chosen to even get a chance to take the test.
All candidates must also pass standardized medical, security and drug tests to move on with training.
Once all the basics have been met, the AT-CTI students have passed and graduated, and all candidates have passed pre-employment tests and screenings, they are ready for the first level of basic training. This training occurs at a 12 week FAA course at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This training goes over FAA regulations, specific duties, air traffic basics and many specialized tasks.
At the end of that training, an ATC (air traffic controller) is ready for field work, but only in a "training" and supervised manner. New ATC's will need to be trained and certified on all of the positions at an airfield. Depending on the amount of previous hands on experience and personal aptitude this can take between 2 and 4 years for an average trainee to leave this "training" status.
Once all this air traffic controller training has been completed the trainee is finally a full fledged air traffic controller trusted to actually bring the planes in without immediate supervision. Over all this is the culmination of years of experience and hands on training, as well as physical qualifications and drug screening. failing any aspect of the training means completely failing the requirements to become an air traffic controller.
