Air Traffic Controllers at My Next Move for Veterans

Air Traffic Controllers

Also called: Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Air Traffic Controller, Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Air Traffic Controller (Enroute Option)

What they do:

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

On the job, you would:

Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.

Knowledge

Transportation

movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Safety and Government

public safety and security
law and government

Math and Science

geography

Education and Training

teaching and course design

Skills

Basic Skills

listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Attention

pay attention to something without being distracted
do two or more things at the same time

Visual Understanding

see hidden patterns
quickly know what you are looking at

Verbal

communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

notice when problems happen

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
leading, making decisions, and business.

They do well at jobs that need:

Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Dependability

Adaptability/Flexibility
Achievement/Effort
Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Flight control software

Direct-To Tool software
En route descent advisor EDA

Expert system software

Advanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOP
Automated radar terminal systems ARTS

Education

high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Take advantage of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program to prepare for this career.

These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:

Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controller (Military Only)

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

$113,540

per year, on average

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