How do I start ATC?

Is it hard to become an air traffic controller?

You have to go through a lot of testing and training.

Whether you become a controller through the FAA or military, you will have to undergo months-long training and pass aptitude, physical, physiological, and skill tests. These exams assess applicants' health, and their ability to train for and perform the job.

Can I be an air traffic controller after 31?

Applicants who do not have at least 52 weeks of ATC experience must be age 31 or below, as of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

How long is ATC training in OKC?

Training: Trainees receive 16 weeks of instruction at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Do air traffic controllers get free flights?

Air traffic controllers are government workers, which means that you'll be on a sliding pay scale. The high pay rates aren't the only perk, however – employees in air traffic control positions also get reduced or even free travel rates as well as some of the best benefits packages in any career field.

How To Become An Air Traffic Controller

What are the chances of getting hired as an air traffic controller?

Controllers train for many years to qualify for the job, and only around 1% of applicants make it through to qualify. Initially, a controller will spend approximately 12 months studying both the practical and theoretical sides of air traffic control at a specialist college.

Is there a high demand for air traffic controllers?

Job Outlook

Despitelimitedemployment growth, about 2,400 openings for air traffic controllers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

How many hours do ATC work a day?

The FAA regulates the hours that an air traffic controller may work. Controllers may not work more than 10 straight hours during a shift, which includes required breaks, and must have 9 hours of rest before their next shift. Major airports may operate control towers on a 24-hour basis.

How many hours do ATC work a week?

Air traffic controllers usually work in a small area. Make decisions that greatly impact everyone involved in flying, including pilots, passengers, ground crew, and other traffic controllers. Usually work a 40-hour week.

How long do ATC work in a day?

A commonly used Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ATC schedule involves working two eight hour evening shifts, then rotating to two eight hour day shifts followed by a single eight hour night shift.

Why do ATC have to retire at 56?

This limit is set for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, it allows workers to complete the minimum number of working years needed for pension eligibility. It is also related to the idea that the older someone is when they start training, the less likely they will complete the training successfully.

Do air traffic controllers get to choose where they work?

When air traffic controllers are hired as trainees by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), they choose a geographical area in which they want to work. Beyond that, they usually don't have a lot of choice in the type of job they then enter, at least at first.

What is the cut off age for FAA ATC?

Applicants to air traffic controller positions who are maintaining 52 weeks of ATC experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic after receiving an air traffic certification or ATC facility rating, must be age 35 or below on closing date of the announcement.

Is there a lot of math in air traffic control?

Air traffic control is a fast-paced job that requires a mathematics background. The required math knowledge includes geometry and calculus.

What are the 4 types of air traffic controllers?

According to the FAA's Controller Workforce Plan (FAA pdf source), specific ATC positions include ground controller, local controller, clearance delivery and flight data.

Do air traffic controllers make 6 figures?

The average Air Traffic Controller salary is $83,633 as of March 28, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $68,523 and $102,943. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

How long is a ATC shift?

Typically, controllers work "on position" for 90 to 120 minutes followed by a 30-minute break. Except at quieter airports, air traffic control is a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year job where controllers usually work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.

How long is FAA ATC training academy?

How long does it take to become an air traffic controller? FAA academy generally takes two to five months to complete, depending on your experience. It then takes another two to four years of on-the-job training to become fully certified.

How much vacation do air traffic controllers get?

FAA Vacation & Paid Time Off

Standard 4-, 6-, and 8-hours accrued, depending on seniority. 4 hours of Annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per pay period is accrued upon starting.

Is ATC a high stress job?

Just like the flight crews who work in an intensive, stressful environment, air traffic controllers are considered the aviation professionals who face very high levels of stress.

How often does FAA hire ATC?

"The FAA annually hires new air traffic controllers, is on target to meet our hiring goal this year, and is reducing the backlog of training caused by COVID-19," the FAA said in a statement to ABC News.

What benefits do air traffic controllers get?

Air traffic controllers qualify for a complete package of federal benefits, including annual leave, sick leave, and life and health insurance, according to the FAA. They also receive federal retirement benefits and can participate in the government's Thrift Savings Plan.

How many people pass the ATC test?

The 62-question test asks applicants about their abilities, life experiences and work backgrounds. It also asks how they've handled various stressful situations. Only about one-in-12 applicants passed the test.

What is the lowest air traffic controller salary?

How Much Do AIR Traffic Controller Jobs Pay per Year? $35,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $125,000 is the 75th percentile.

Do you need 20 20 to be a air traffic controller?

With or without correction air traffic controllers must demonstrate 20/20 distant vision in each eye separately, 20/40 in each eye at 16 inches near vision, and 20/40 in each eye at 32 inches intermediate vision if they are 50 years of age or older. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.