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, service, and safety, viewing their demanding role as a crucial career responsible for public safety.
- The FAA faces a significant need to hire thousands of new controllers in the coming decade due to upcoming retirements, prompting modernization of training and operational techniques to enhance efficiency and capacity.
- This career offers excellent salaries (median $127,805 in 2016) and advancement opportunities, though applicants must be U.S. citizens and no older than 30 during the application period.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
