The salary and advancement opportunities are excellent, but what draws many FAA air traffic control specialists to their work is a passion for aviation, service and safety. “This is a career, not a job,” says Ian Lewis, a specialist at Southern California Tracon (terminal radar approach control) in San Diego. “When we walk through an airport and see moms, fathers, sons, all those people getting on planes, we feel proud to be responsible for their safety.”
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
Key Takeaways:
- FAA air traffic controllers are deeply passionate about aviation, safety, and service, viewing their demanding role as a career essential for managing U.S. airspace.
- The FAA faces a significant need to hire thousands of new controllers over the next decade due to upcoming mandatory retirements, while also modernizing training and technology to enhance efficiency.
- The career offers excellent salaries and flexible scheduling, attracting many with a personal love for aviation, but has strict eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship and an age limit of 30 for applicants.
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