Air Traffic Control Operator

Overview

Control sky traffic from takeoff to landing. Your attention to detail must be superb, and your ability to multitask must be even better. Control the movement of multimillion-dollar equipment while ensuring that troops and machinery all arrive and depart safely.

Job duties

• Control air and ground traffic
• Install or relocate air traffic control facilities
• Process flight plan data, maintain logs and collect tape recordings

Training

Job training for an Air Traffic Control Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 17 weeks and 1 day of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Rucker, AL with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions. Some of the skills you'll learn are: Air traffic control management and operational procedures Communications and radar procedures Aircraft recognition Takeoff, landing and ground control procedures

Required ASVAB score

Skilled Technical (ST): 101 Learn more about the ASVAB .

Helpful skills

• Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Decisiveness and ability to work within strict standards
• Ability to work as a team member

Civilian career relevance

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career at airports and traffic control centers or the U.S. Department of Defense.

• Air Traffic Controller
• Atmospheric Scientist
• Statistical Analyst