how long does aviation course take to be an air traffic controller

How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers must be certified by the FAA. You can earn a certification by passing a knowledge test and practical exam and meeting the experience requirements through on-the-job training. It typically takes two to four years to complete the training that leads to full certification.

What classes do you take to become an air traffic controller?

In an associate’s degree program in air traffic control, students are likely to take an introductory course in air traffic control as well as classes in air traffic control regulations, control tower operations, terminal radar, aviation weather and experiential flight or simulated flight.

What happens when you graduate from air traffic control training?

When you graduate, you will be assigned and transferred to an air traffic control facility where you will continue training from two to four additional years (however, during this time you will be working with actual aircraft in the ATC system).

Do air traffic controllers work full time or part time?

Most air traffic controllers work full time, although some may work additional hours. However, the number of hours that an air traffic controller may work is regulated by the FAA. They may not work more than 10 hours straight or have less than nine hours between shifts.

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How long does it take to qualify as an air traffic controller?

You will then be posted to an airport or control centre to continue with practical training and work towards gaining an air traffic controller license, following which you will be eligible to work as an air traffic controller. The entire training process can take around three years.

Is it hard to become an air traffic controller?

The training is demanding, with about 50% of aspiring Air Force controllers washing out, according to the agency. FAA spokesperson Tammy Jones told Insider the agency posts ATC jobs throughout the year based on the organization's hiring goal and the number of applicants currently in the pipeline, among other factors.

What qualifications do you need for air traffic controller?

Education for Air Traffic Controllers Candidates who want to become air traffic controllers typically need an associate's or a bachelor's degree from an AT-CTI program. Other candidates must have 3 years of progressively responsible work experience, have completed 4 years of college, or have a combination of both.

How long is the FAA academy for air traffic controllers?

It is 19 days and is conducted via a web-based conferencing platform. Who pays for Basics for ATC training? The FAA pays for the Basics course. There is no cost to the student.

Does air traffic controller require math?

Air traffic controller uses math in order to be able to understand distances and measurements at a moment's notice. They also must be able to do mental math quickly and accurately. Part of their job is directing aircraft at what altitude and speed to fly.

Do air traffic controllers get free flights?

Though they don't enjoy the free flights available to airline staff, controllers do get discounts, which is useful when you've got more than 30 days of holiday each year. Early retirement can be taken at 57 after 25 years' service. Otherwise the retirement age is 60.

Do air traffic controllers earn more than pilots?

Many of us would assume airline pilot is the most lucrative career in travel, but according to the website Career Cast, air traffic controllers take home a bigger pay packet.

Where can I study air traffic controller?

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) College is situated at O R Tambo Airport. After successfully completely the course offered, students can register as professional air traffic controllers and can work as area, approach or radar controllers.

Is ATC a good career?

The career of an air traffic controller is highly rewarding and a certified controller enjoys a lot of perks. It offers one with great job satisfaction as you get challenging situations which help you utilise your problem-solving skills.

Do you get paid while in FAA Academy?

Yes, the FAA pays for initial ATC training for entry-level ATC employees (FG-2152-01 Academy Trainee).

Does the FAA Academy pay you?

New air traffic controller hires are invited to attend the Air Traffic Basics course at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. This is a 200-hour (five weeks) course. You will be paid a per-diem rate to cover basic expenses, which was ​$101​ per day in 2019.

How long does air traffic control work?

Most air traffic control specialists work full time, and some work additional hours. Larger air traffic control facilities operate continuously, and employees may rotate among day, evening, and night shifts, along with weekends and holidays. Smaller facilities have more standard dawn to dusk operating hours.

How much does an air traffic controller make in 2021?

The median annual wage for air traffic control specialists is $138,556 in 2021. The salaries for entry-level air traffic control specialists increase as they complete each new training phase.

How often do men and women work in the air?

Every minute, every hour, every day, there are men and women working to ensure the safety and efficiency of our national airspace system.

Does the FAA offer employment?

The FAA offers employment opportunities for individuals with previous air traffic control experience , as well as entry-level trainee air traffic control specialists, through separate job vacancy announcements posted for a limited time throughout the year.

How many years of college do you need to be an air traffic controller?

You must either have three years of progressively responsible full-time work experience, have four years of college, or a combination of both.

How old do you have to be to become an air traffic controller?

The first thing to be aware of is that you cannot begin training for an ATC position unless you are 30 years old, or younger (the only exception is if you have prior ATC experience). That means the time to start researching and planning is now.

How to become an ATC?

2. You must complete education and training through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. The AT-CTI program is offered at about 30 colleges throughout the country and includes either 2- or 4-year degrees covering air traffic control and aviation curriculums. If you decide to attend an AT-CTI program, upon graduation you will need a letter of recommendation from the school in order to apply for an ATC job with the FAA.

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Can I take the AT-CTI test?

If you attend one of the AT-CTI programs and are in good academic standing, you are guaranteed a chance to take the test. If your test score is high enough, you become eligible for an air traffic controller job.

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How many years of college do I need to become an air traffic controller?

The first step in training is to hold three years at the same job, to get a bachelor’s degree, or to do some combination of post-secondary education and work that totals three years, as mentioned in the requirements above. Attend an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI Program).

How to get a job in air traffic control?

The FAA has created partnerships with several educational institutions to start the process of preparing people for a job in air traffic control. Enroll in and complete one of these programs to begin your formal training. Complete the FAA training program.

What is an Air Traffic Controller?

Air traffic controllers are the professionals in charge of directing airplane traffic in the air and keeping all aircraft and people inside them safe. Air traffic controllers have extensive training learning how to direct multiple planes to their destinations safely — at the same time). They can work in one of three locations: in a glass room in the control tower at the airport, in a control center not located at an airport (there are 24 across the US), or in a radar room that is also located in a control tower at an airport.

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What is ground control?

Ground Control: Ground controllers only work with aircraft on the ground, which means once they've landed or when they're taxiing to take off.

How old do you have to be to get into the academy?

Be under 30 years of age when you first apply for the academy. Speak English clearly enough to understand and give commands. Have either: held three years at a job, earned a bachelor's degree, or done enough of a combination of post-secondary education and work that it totals at least three years of experience.

How many years of experience do you need to be a sailor?

Have either: held three years at a job, earned a bachelor's degree, or done enough of a combination of post-secondary education and work that it totals at least three years of experience.

How long will it take to become an Air Traffic Controller?

Depending on your program, you will generally need an Associate or Bachelor’s degree from an AT-CTI program, which can be completed between two and four years. Long-term on-the-job training is also required; although, earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation may allow you to meet the “experience” requirement more quickly.

What are the courses required for air traffic control?

These include phraseology, procedures, and laws and aviation meteorology, and radar and non-radar simulation. The simulation courses also cover en route and TRACON. Students must complete the Instrument Pilot Ground School course, too.

What does an Air Traffic Controller do?

The main objective for the Air Traffic Controller is to maintain a safe distance between aircraft in the air and on the ground as they watch airplanes taxiing the runway for landing or take off. They also must keep a watchful eye on weather conditions that may affect flights, as well as other important information about runway closures or emergencies.

What are the various paths to becoming an Air Traffic Controller?

Perhaps the best way to become an Air Traffic Controller is to enroll in a trade-type school that specializes in the field, such as that offered through the Federal Aviation Administration. They offer the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, or AT-CTI, program.

What kind of salary can I expect as an Air Traffic Controller?

As of May 2020, the BLS reported the estimated average salary of an Air Traffic Controller is $130,420 annually , with the highest 10% earning upwards of $184,780 per year with experience.

How many hours per week do Air Traffic Controllers work?

Working as an ATCO is a full-time job; however, the FAA regulates your air hours. Typically, you can work no more than 10 hours at a time and must have nine hours of rest between each shift. But, you should be prepared to work all hours of the day or night, as well as weekends and holidays.

What is the cut-off age for becoming an ATCO?

You must apply for Air Traffic Controller training before you turn 31 years old. Now, there is one exception to that. If you have former military training in the field, you can apply after the age of 31.

How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?

The FAA requires prospective air traffic controllers to have three years of working experience in a field related to aviation, but this experience requirement can be met by completing a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years. FAA Academy training takes two to five months to complete depending on one’s experience, ...

Where do air traffic controllers get training?

Based on the results of these tests, the FAA hires a group of graduates to continue their training at the FAA Academy. At the FAA Academy, air traffic controllers receive intensive training that includes classroom instruction and work on air traffic control simulators.

What is AT-CTI training?

Graduates of AT-CTI programs must receive a recommendation from their school and pass the FAA’s bio-data assessment and Air Traffic Selection and Training Test to move on to the next step in the training process. Based on the results of these tests, the FAA hires a group of graduates to continue their training at the FAA Academy. At the FAA Academy, air traffic controllers receive intensive training that includes classroom instruction and work on air traffic control simulators. Students who complete this training program are assigned to a job location where they continue their training while working.

How much will the number of air traffic controllers grow in 2020?

Between advances in technology and budget concerns, employment of air traffic controllers in the United States is expected to grow only 1 percent between 2012 and 2020. Any new hires made by the FAA will be to replace retiring air traffic controllers, who in most cases must leave the field at the age of 56.

What is an AT-CTI degree?

Associate degree-level AT-CTI programs typically focus closely on air traffic control, but bachelor’s and master’s degree programs widen their focus to aeronautics, aviation management, or aviation technology. Students in associate degree programs take courses in topics like aviation weather, aviation law, basic navigation and flight operations, air traffic control technology, radar, and human factors. Students in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs take these courses but also delve more deeply into aviation science and branch into computer science, management, or research.

What is the role of air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers help guide planes both in the sky and on the ground. They use technology that allows them to see all air traffic in a given area, and it is their responsibility to coordinate that traffic to ensure each flight takes off, lands, or passes through safely.

How old do you have to be to be an AT-CTI?

Air traffic controllers must be United States citizens, be younger than 31 years of age when they are first hired, and pass a criminal history background check and a medical exam that includes vision, color vision, hearing, psychological, substance abuse, cardiovascular, and neurological screenings.

What are the duties of an air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers manage communications and help to control ground traffic at airports. This includes maintenance employees and baggage vehicles. Some of the duties of an air traffic controller include: 1 Providing information for pilots when it comes to weather updates, runway closures, and other critical information 2 Keeping airport personnel alerted to any type of emergency 3 Using visual references, computers, and readers to monitor the flow of air traffic in the sky and on the ground

Is Becoming an Air Traffic Controller Right for You?

Working as an air traffic controller can offer a very exciting career . You will work directly with pilots to keep the airport and everybody there safe. It’s a very important job and requires the right training.

Education Requirements to Become an Air Traffic Controller

To become an air traffic controller, you will need to complete pre-employment exam at the FAA.

Air Traffic Controller Job Description

An air traffic controller, or ATC, can work for a large commercial airport, a military base, or for smaller private airports.

Air Traffic Controller Salary and Career Path

Almost all air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA, or the Federal Aviation Administration, with the exception of those in the military or working for smaller airports.

Frequently Asked Questions

An air traffic controller is a highly trained professional who is responsible for directing an aircraft safely through a particular flight path.

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Tattoo Artist Salary and Career Path

The median annual wage for Craft and Fine Artists, including Tattoo Artists, was approximately $67,750 in 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?

Aspiring air traffic controllers should earn a two-year or four-year college degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. These programs are designed specifically to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. During these programs, students will study a variety of aviation subjects, including airspace, weather, clearances, federal regulations and how to read maps.

How much do air traffic controllers make?

Air traffic controllers earn a median salary of $122,530 per year, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Starting salaries for air traffic controllers who have already undergone FAA training begin around $37,070. In addition to the high median salary, air traffic controllers typically enjoy the protection of a labor union.

Why is it important to have an air traffic controller?

The role of an air traffic controller is immensely important for the safety of air transportation. Without their guidance and communication, planes could collide on the runways and in ...

Is an air traffic controller a labor union?

In addition to the high median salary, air traffic controllers typically enjoy the protection of a labor union. Though the challenging job has its share of stressful moments, it’s also exciting as well as financially lucrative.

Do Air Traffic Controllers Need a Degree?

Aspiring air traffic controllers should earn a two-year or four-year college degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. These programs are designed specifically to meet FAA guidelines. During these programs, students will study a variety of aviation subjects, including airspace, weather, clearances, federal regulations and how to read maps.