How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

Are you aspiring to become an Air Traffic Controller? Learn How to Become an Air Traffic Controller by the following step by step process.

If you want to become an air-traffic controller, but never knew where to start in your quest of getting into the field of directing airplanes to land and take off safely, this is the place you could get your first glimpse of the process of becoming an air-traffic controller.

1. Prepare Early
To begin with, you will have to get down to preparing early for the job as the cut-off age is 30. Besides, the FAA regulations require you to be a citizen of the US to work as an air-traffic controller.

There are three ways one can become an air-traffic controller:

A). Apply as a member of the general public and undergo FAA training.
B). Apply for the post stating prior-experience, and
C). Apply to the FAA as a general employee and work your way up.

However, there are always the very basic requirements as we shall proceed to explain here:

2. Education
Complete your college education preferably in one of the following FAA approved educational institution. Ensure that you choose a field of study that relates to air-traffic control or at least relates to aviation.

Presently there are fourteen FAA recognized schools and candidates from these schools have an advantage when it comes to getting into the FAA. A few of the schools one could consider are:

1. Daniel Webster College
2. Miami-Dade College
3. Purdue University and
4. Vaughn College.

If you have been in the armed forces, chances are that you have already completed your prerequisite education required by the FAA and if you have military air-traffic control training then there is no need to enroll with a civilian college to be accepted as an FAA candidate.

3. Apply To The FAA
Once you have graduated from an FAA approved school you will have to apply to the FAA for a job as an air-traffic controller. When you are accepted as an FAA candidate you will be put through the FAA ATC academy. Here you will be required to choose your field of specialization - en route or terminal.

4. Clear The Pre-employment Test
Once you have applied to the FAA, which can be in person or through their web site, you will be notified the date and the time you will have to appear for the pre-employment test conducted by the FAA. You will be assigned a center nearest to your location and do not have to pay for the test but only for the travel. You will also need to score at least 70 percent in the test.

5. Clear The Medical Examination
Once you have cleared the FAA pre-employment test you will have to appear for a medical examination and background investigation.

6. Undergo FAA Internship
You will then have to successfully complete the FAA internship and specialization programs. These will include;

1. Simulator training
2. On-the-job training
3. Preparation classes for additional duties and
4. Finally passing the FAA examinations.

7. Apply For You Posting
Once you are armed with your FAA certifications you can apply for a posting at an air-traffic control tower in a town of your choice, and depending on the availability of a vacancy there you will be given your choice posting or you will be given alternative choices. However, whatever the case you will be ready to pursue your career as an air-traffic controller.