During my time as a controller, I’ve had a lot of pilots ask about what’s involved with ATC training and how it compares to pilot training. Unlike for some pilots, it’s not one and done, nor should it be.
The Big Picture
Controller Training
Key Takeaways:
- Becoming an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) involves diverse, highly specialized functions, requiring continuous, multi-stage training that is far from "one and done."
- Entry paths (FAA Academy, military, CTI programs) are highly selective, demanding significant sacrifice, and have a high "wash out" rate during initial and facility-specific training.
- Training progresses from foundational school to rigorous, facility-specific instruction (including simulators and on-the-job training for each position), with ongoing evaluations, refresher training, and even starting over when transferring to new facilities.
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