Choose Courses for an Air Traffic Control Career
Air Traffic Controllers perform a vital function in the aviation industry. They monitor and direct traffic at airports, keeping the flow of planes moving steadily. Using radar and other visual technology, they can monitor each plane's movement, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Their role is extremely important during severe weather conditions, when the pilot relies heavily on their direction. Career trends indicate that there will be an increased need for Air Traffic Controllers in the near future.
Contents
Steps
- Become aware of the qualifications required to become certified as an Air Traffic Controller. As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employs the majority of Air Traffic Controllers, programs of study must be approved by this agency.
- Keep in mind that, upon completion of your degree program, it will be necessary to undergo FAA specific testing and training, including extensive background checks. The FAA Academy training typically lasts from 12 - 15 weeks.
- Research schools online that offer courses for an Air Traffic Control career and are certified by FAA. Note similarities and differences in such things as tuition, living costs and specific requirements as these will differ from school to school.
- Request catalogs from the various schools that list the courses required for your Air Traffic Control certification. Compare such things as required courses and prerequisites. Check to see whether you have already taken some of the prerequisite classes.
- Consider attending a local community or technical colleges for some of the prerequisite classes required for your Air Traffic Control career. Tuition is generally much less expensive and you can remain at home, reducing housing costs as well.
- Decide which facility best fits your needs and your budget. Find out all you can about tuition assistance and scholarships available through the school and locally. Meet with a faculty adviser prior to enrolling to ensure that you are on the right track.
- If you are considering taking classes at a community or technical college, meet with an adviser to make sure that classes will transfer to the college of your choice.
Tips
- Enroll in a public speaking course. Clear and concise speech is a necessity for an Air Traffic Controller.
- Considering deciding in advance the area in which you would like to work. The FAA does allow you to indicate specific requests for geographic locations once hired.
- Be patient with yourself. This career does require extensive training and patience will be required in the job itself.
- Be prepared to start "at the bottom." Like any other worthwhile career, you must start at the basics. You will most likely begin by providing basic airport information as well as flight data to pilots before you move to bigger responsibility.
- Be sure to know whether you are medically and physically suitable for the job before even considering applying.
Warnings
- You will not be allowed to attend FAA Academy training if you fail the background check.
