Air Traffic Controller

What's an Air traffic controller?

• Someone who keeps track of planes & where they are
• assures that air crafts don't crash into each other
• can direct air crafts around storms
• must be able to make tough choices that will effect the pilot and crew
• maintains the flow of air traffic

work environment

• must communicate with other employees
• work in a small space with others
• no uniform needed

education needed

• pass medical and background checks
• achieve a qualifying score on the Federal Aviation Administration
• complete a training course at the FAA Academy
• work or college (3 years total, there can be a combination of the 2)
• have a high school diploma

other requirements

• must be under 31
• be a United States citizen
• Speak clear English
• you can wear a uniform if trained by the military
• however a uniform is not needed

advancement opportunities

•  new controllers begin by giving basic flight data,
• they advance to controlling departures and arrivals.
• new controllers first deliver printed flight plans to team,
• They advance to monitoring flights by radar.

Employment Outlook

• there are 13 openings in Nevada
• openings growing very quickly
• 14.5% growth in 10 years

payment

• The median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $122,530 in May 2012
• beginners start with around $45 per hour ($93,000 per year)
• experts can gain at most around $80 to $90 per hour ($171,000 per year)

why is job?

• requires team work and seriousness
• it pays well
• a job that's not the center of attention

importance

• planes help many people
• I want to help people get to where they want to go
• even if I never get any credit for it myself