How do I start my air traffic controller career?
Minimum Requirements
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be age 30 or under (on the closing date of the application period)
- Pass a medical examination.
- Pass a security investigation.
- Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment test.
- Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment.
How hard is it to become air traffic controller?
Question: How tough is the training to become an air traffic controller? Answer: Training is very tough. The training process depends on which facility a person is assigned. However, ARTCCs have a different training process that is more conducive to new hires starting there and progressing successfully.
Do you get paid at FAA academy?
As of January 2016, the initial pay for entry-level air traffic controllers while receiving initial training at the FAA Academy is $18,343 per annum, not including locality pay.
How do I become an air traffic controller?
The second is to complete an aviation degree at a college or university through the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program. The final option is to complete either three years of progressively responsible job experience, a bachelor’s degree or a combination of the two.
Can a civilian air traffic controller transfer to the FAA?
Civilian air traffic controllers who work for the Defense Department can also transfer to the FAA, provided they were 30 or younger when hired by the DOD. Be a United States citizen. The FAA only accepts citizens of the United States for its training programs. Meet the education and experience requirements.
Do you need 3 years of experience to become an ATC?
Not exactly! One of the requirements to become an air traffic controller with the FAA is to have 1, not 3, continuous years of experience as a civilian or military air traffic controller.
Do air traffic controllers work full time or part time?
Do air traffic controllers work long hours? 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.