AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS Number 230 Interest Area 5-A 1998
THE JOB
Imagine trying to direct 260 tons of metal, filled with passengers and cargo, through the air in the middle of a storm. AIR-TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS are responsible for the safe and efficient flow of air traffic throughout the nation's airspace. They navigate the airways, helping pilots pass other planes, find their way through fog and rough weather, and land safely at a busy airport. They coordinate flights to prevent accidents and minimize delays in takeoffs and landings.
All civilian Air Traffic Controllers work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They can be found working in three basic specialties: Air Traffic Control Towers, En Route Centers, and Flight Service Stations.
Airport Tower Controllers regulate a specific airport's traffic. They use two-way radios to give pilots permission to take off and land. They also direct ground traffic, which includes taxiing aircraft, vehicles, and airport workers. Tower Controllers normally direct air traffic within three to thirty miles of an airport. When planes leave this assigned airspace they are passed on to an En Route Center.
En Route Controllers regulate flights between airports. They contact pilots by radio and control their position in the airways between tower jurisdictions. Using sophisticated radar and computer equipment, they maintain a progressive check on aircraft and issue instructions, clearance, and advice. When an aircraft leaves the airspace assigned to an En Route Center, control passes on to the next center or to a Tower Controller. If a pilot is lost or having trouble, the center gives orientation instructions and directions to the nearest emergency landing field. En Route Controllers work in teams of two or three.
Flight Service Station Controllers are experts on the terrain, airports, and navigational facilities in their areas. Pilots file their flight plans with Station Controllers who conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, and other flight safety information. They often use direction-finding equipment to provide special assistance to search-and-rescue operations.
Controllers in all three specialties use radio, teletype, inter-telephone, and other electronic equipment to monitor and contact aircraft.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Airport Tower Controllers may work in either the glass-walled room at the top of the tower or in the radar room below. Rooms are small; those in larger airports usually have carpeting, tinted glass, and acoustical ceilings. Airport Towers, En Route Centers, and Flight Service Stations are usually fully air-conditioned. Rooms in Flight Centers are large and dimly lit for proper viewing of the many radar screens arranged in tiers and rows.
Controllers are often responsible for several aircraft simultaneously. The number of craft varies with size of airport, time of day and weather. Controllers must be able to work under extreme pressure, often without a break, for up to four hours at a stretch. They must be able to visualize the whole traffic picture, establish priorities, and think clearly in emergencies. They must have a good memory, and be able to listen to more than one pilot at a time. The pace is often hurried and controllers must make quick and accurate decisions. Any indecision or delay could contribute to a catastrophic loss of lives and property.
Flight Service Station Controllers may join the National Association of Air Traffic Specialists, while the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) serves Airport Tower and En Route Controllers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 3,290 Estimated number of workers in 2005 3,570 Projected Growth 1993-2005 9% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 990
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Growth in this occupation will be much slower than average through the forecast period. According to the Secretary of Transportation, there will be more sophisticated computerized equipment put in place by 2005. Even the most experienced Air Traffic Controllers will need training to use the new equipment.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers start at $24,734 per year at the General Schedule-7 (GS-7). Journey-level wages for controllers depend on the size and complexity of the facility where they work. For example, for smaller towns in California like Chico and Modesto, the rate at the journey-level is $33,320, (GS-10); while, at the Sacramento airport, the journey-level pay is $39,406 (GS-11). In busier airports, the pay can go as high as $86,275 (GS-14). Top pay for journey-level Flight Service Station Controllers is $61,401 (GS-12). Many controllers receive additional pay to compensate for higher living costs in expensive areas.
The basic work week for all Air Traffic Controllers is 40 hours with time- and-a-half or compensatory time off for additional hours worked. Pay for work on holidays is double the usual rate. Controllers work rotating shifts. They earn sick leave and vacation time at the same rate as other federal employees.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Applicants for Air Traffic Controller positions must pass an exam. In addition, they are required to have three years of general experience, four years of college, or a combination of experience and education. The GS rating assigned to new controllers is determined by their score on the qualifying test, their college academic standing, and any specialized aviation experience they may have. College graduates with civilian or military experience as controllers, navigators, or pilots will have the best chance for appointment. Aspiring controllers should study English, mathematics, speech, and electronics in high school and college.
The FAA has established a maximum age of 30 at the time of appointment for tower and center candidates. Applicants must pass a rigid physical exam and psychological test, have vision corrected to 20/20, and speak clearly. Controllers must pass a yearly physical and are tested semiannually for job proficiency.
Once appointed, new recruits receive training at the FAA Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. Formalized classroom and on-the-job training is given at their assigned facility until the Controller reaches journey-level status. Journey-level achievement varies from facility to facility. At towers and centers, it is generally GS-13 or GS-14. Most controllers reach journey level in two-to-three years.
ADVANCEMENT
An Air Traffic Controller may be promoted to supervisory or management positions. The pay for a senior executive position is over $90,000. The FAA has a policy of promoting from within when filling higher Air Traffic Controller positions. Many of the FAA's key officials began their service as Air Traffic Controllers.
FINDING THE JOB
Virtually all civilian controllers work for the FAA. Application forms and information about tests are available at U.S. Office of Personnel Management Job Information Centers. Jobseekers should contact the nearest center and ask for a copy of the Air Traffic Controller Announcement, the Qualifications Information Statement for Air Traffic Control Specialist Positions, and a list of test locations.
The Western Regional Headquarters of the Federal Aviation Administration is located in Los Angeles and is responsible for coordinating all military and civilian air traffic in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Office of Aviation Careers, AMH-300 Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 (405) 954-4657 www.faa.gov
For testing schedules contact your nearest Office of Personnel Management or the Federal Job Information Center.
National Air Traffic Controllers Association 1150 17th Street, N.W. #701 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-2900 www.natca.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Meteorologists No. 200 Aircraft Pilots No. 290
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Air Traffic Control Specialist, Station 193.162-014 Air Traffic Control Specialist, Tower 193.162-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Airplane Dispatchers and Air Traffic Controllers 390020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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