The secretary of transportation acknowledged that they're short 3,000 controllers. There are fewer air traffic controllers today than 30 years ago. Those specialized workers are in high demand, with low staffing levels prompting warnings of possible gridlock and delays for the summer travel season. The FAA says two in every ten controller jobs nationwide are empty. So, how can one become an air traffic controller in the USA?
U.S. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER TRAINING
An air traffic controller works in either an air traffic control tower or a radar facility. Air traffic controllers direct many aircraft at once to keep them at a safe distance from all other aircraft. From the time an airplane departs the gate until it arrives at the destination gate, air traffic controllers issue instructions to keep it going to its destination and clear of other aircraft and obstacles.
There are several paths to becoming an air traffic controller, each having different costs. You can begin a career as an air traffic controller through training programs offered by the FAA, military training, or through colleges. There are several degree options available to you. Tuition varies according to the school and degree that you choose to pursue. It may include special fees, depending on your choices. Training is available through the FAA, the military, or a college training program approved by the FAA.
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
One pathway to becoming an air traffic controller is to serve in the U.S. military. The military provides one of the most cost-effective routes, as career training is part of your military service. Another option is to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy.
Three years of full-time work experience (in any field) or successful completion of a four-year college program (in any major) is required. If accepted, you'll then be provided training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. The third option is attending a Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) aviation program approved by the FAA.
.
Air Traffic Controllers Schools
The FAA offers a complete list of approved schools for air traffic control training on its website FAA.gov. Approved schools are available in most regions of the country. Some approved schools include:
- Arizona State University (Mesa, Arizona)
- Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)
- Western Michigan University (Battle Creek, Michigan)
- University of Alaska Anchorage (Anchorage, Alaska)
- Sacramento City College (Sacramento, California)
Degree Program Options
Degrees that can prepare you for an air traffic control career include avionics, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and aviation management. Schools commonly offer degrees in air traffic control along with other aviation-related areas. Some degrees offer coursework in business management with an emphasis on the commercial airline industry. What courses will I take? Air traffic control training focuses on math, engineering, and practical courses. Some of the courses you may take include:
- flight lab
- history of aviation
- algebra
- aviation meteorology
- radar lab
- approach control
Estimated Costs
Tuition and fees vary from school to school and program to program. For example, if you are seeking an aviation degree that includes learning to fly, you will pay fees for flight labs that can cost $2,000. Private pilot licenses will usually cost more than $5,000. Some schools require you to have funds in your account before being allowed to participate in flight training. The cost of tuition also varies, so it's a good idea to shop around for the best deal. If you are concerned about the quality because a school has a significantly lower tuition fee, remember that the FAA must approve all CTI programs.
Tuition and fees vary considerably by residency status. State colleges typically charge 100 percent or more for non-residents per academic year. You'll want to carefully study the associated fees school by school. You could potentially save money by choosing a college that doesn't have a lot of extra fees. Charges to look for are room and board, simulator fees, lab fees, textbook fees, general studies fees, and technology fees. Housing fees can run as much as $3,000 per semester.
For a two-year CTI associate's degree, tuition and fees for residents could cost around $10,000 for 60 credits. For non-residents, tuition and fees could be upwards of $30,000. Statistics: The cost for 60 Credits is between $12,000 and $35,000. The median salary in the USA is $156,990 for air traffic controllers. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
What Else Should I Know?
You must complete training before turning 31 years old. Air Traffic Control is a high-stress occupation, so you will need to have a good memory, be able to make decisions quickly, and have the ability to work in an environment that can be noisy with a lot of activity. You will need a good grasp of English, the international language used in aviation. You will be subject to drug tests and background checks. A physical exam is required each year. You will also need to provide a list of medications you are currently using.
The air traffic controller training facilities listed here are only examples, more schools are offering training in this field. Links to training institutions can be found in the ‘Resources” chapter of #2 Dream Job Pilot? Worldwide Flight Training.
<><><><><>
No comments:
Post a Comment