Air Traffic Control Education and Training is a tough field to break into. You have to complete a four year degree, you have to hold US citizenship, be less than 30 at the time of your hiring and successfully complete an FAA aptitude test. You also have to pass an FAA physical exam, drug test, and intensive security and background checks. Once you have been accepted by the FAA, you then have to complete their training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City as a paid employee of the FAA. The training is 12 to 15 weeks, depending on the specialty chosen. Starting salary is approximately $25,000/year with maximum salaries eventually exceeding $90,000 depending on area.
After ATC training, you can be employed by the federal government or go on to work for private air traffic control companies that provide service to non-FAA towers. Military air traffic controllers is another career path if you choose to join the armed services.
When considering a air traffic school:
1. Consider the distance from home.
2. Look at tuition costs.
3. Compare air traffic controller education curriculums and successful placement rates.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find out more about the field of air traffic controller training
Before you jump into the task of finding a air traffic school, find out more about the career requirements, salary and process of air traffic controller training.
I recommend: Look at the requirements, salary information and additional information on air traffic controller school programs at
collegeboard.com, Inc. Check out the
U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics information on ATC education. Check out additional career information at
CollegeGrad.com and the
National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
Use an air traffic school search engine or directory
Use an industry specific air traffic school search engine or directory for an easier air traffic control school hunt.
I recommend: Look at the aviation schools and programs available at college universities at
Aviation Schools Online.
USCollegeSearch is another directory resource to find an air traffic control degree programs. Check out the list of schools approved by the
Federal Aviation Administration.
Look at specific ATCtraining at university locations
Most ATC training programs are offered through accredited schools with specific training programs.
I recommend: University of North Dakota Aerospace offers advanced Air Traffic Control training facilities, and their degree program utilizes an Air Traffic Control curriculum designed to graduate students prepared for assignment with the FAA.
Purdue's FAA Air Traffic Control Program was created in response to the FAA's projected future air traffic controller needs. At the
Dowling College School of Aviation, students are trained on one of the most advanced, realistic air traffic control (ATC) simulators in the world.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is another education option.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Air Traffic Control Education and Training is an education path best decided upon when entering your undergrad education or right out of military duty since the entrance deadline is 30 years old.
The official source of Air Traffic Control Education and Training is
the Air Traffic Control Education and Training page at Business.com
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