AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Air traffic controllers are required to regulate air traffic through FAA airspace, these are called sectors and they must regulate and control the arrivals and departures of aircraft. The job of an air traffic controller is a stressful one, they have control of all airplanes that fly in and out of airport airspace, they need to make fast and accurate decisions very quickly, and there is no margin for errors. Mostly they work from a control tower but sometimes they can work in a radar building. Excellent eyesight is required as visual observation training is extremely important. A controller needs to know the difference between a Douglas MD-11 or a Boeing 747 and the many other different aircraft. Should they come across a non-familiar aircraft they can access a database to quickly identify the aircraft.
Few months back European airports were clogged with desperate travelers stuck for days due to the unexpectedly devastating cloud of volcanic ash drifting from Iceland. Only Spanish airports offered routes out for trans-Atlantic travelers. Today a massive strike of air traffic controller’s crippled Spanish air travel. AENA, which operates the airports, called the action "intolerable" and "irresponsible." Passengers were urged to stay home until the situation changed. At issue are new rules on the number of hours air traffic controllers will be required to work the conditions they work under, and salary. Contested as well is the creeping privatization of Spanish airports, an effort on the part of the government to avoid a debt crisis. The Radar controller is a specialized field and the job brings more stress than normal traffic controllers.
Few months back European airports were clogged with desperate travelers stuck for days due to the unexpectedly devastating cloud of volcanic ash drifting from Iceland. Only Spanish airports offered routes out for trans-Atlantic travelers. Today a massive strike of air traffic controller’s crippled Spanish air travel. AENA, which operates the airports, called the action "intolerable" and "irresponsible." Passengers were urged to stay home until the situation changed. At issue are new rules on the number of hours air traffic controllers will be required to work the conditions they work under, and salary. Contested as well is the creeping privatization of Spanish airports, an effort on the part of the government to avoid a debt crisis. The Radar controller is a specialized field and the job brings more stress than normal traffic controllers.
Air Traffic Controller Tower in the airport |
The second skill you'll need to start a career in ATC is the appropriate training. Unlike other professions like management or customer service, you'll need highly specialized training to become an air traffic controller. Fortunately, there are a number of schools in the United States where you can get this training. Some states that have ATC training schools include: Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Florida, and California. Conduct an online search to find a complete list of facilities