Can air traffic controllers choose where they work?

When air traffic controllers are hired as trainees by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), they choose a geographical area in which they want to work. Beyond that, they usually don’t have a lot of choice in the type of job they then enter, at least at first.

Where do air traffic controllers get stationed?

ACs are stationed in traffic control centers on aircraft carriers or at air traffic control facilities in the United States or overseas.

What do air traffic controllers employed at airports do?

Air traffic control aims to move aircraft safely and efficiently through the airspace system. Controllers keep aircraft set distances apart while moving them from airport to airport using set routes. In the UK aircraft in the airways system are handled by NATS.

Is air traffic controller the most stressful job?

Air traffic controllers, who maintain the flow of aircraft in and out of airports and in flight, are key to aviation safety. This is well recognized as one of the most stressful jobs, requiring total concentration.

How stressful is being an air traffic controller?

Because they’re responsible for thousands of lives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, most air traffic controllers experience a high level of job-related stress. “We often miss birthdays, we work on holidays and weekends, and often operate on alternative sleep cycles,” Miller explains.

Do air traffic controllers get deployed?

All ATCs must earn and maintain a Federal Aviation Administration ATC Specialist Certificate. ATCs can deploy to or be stationed anywhere in the world in support of airfield or air base operations.

Can air traffic control fly a plane?

Air traffic controllers can talk aircraft down to a safe landing. “It’s usually with smaller, general aviation aircraft, flown by pilots in a difficult weather situation who have trained for visual flight but who find themselves in restricted visibility.”

What is it like to be an air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or route centers. Their work can be stressful because maximum concentration is required at all times. Night, weekend, and rotating shifts are common.

Who are the largest employers of air traffic controllers?

The largest employers of air traffic controllers were as follows: Most controllers work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centers. Many tower and approach/departure controllers work near large airports.

Will air traffic control be replaced by technology?

Although air traffic controllers rely on radar and other technology to do their jobs, they’re not in danger of technology replacing them any time soon. With so many lives at stake, air traffic control will likely always require humans to ensure that automated systems function properly and technology doesn’t malfunction.

What does an air traffic control equipment repairer do?

For air traffic controllers to manage the skies, their equipment must function properly; and that’s where you come in. As an Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer, you help ensure flight safety by Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them.