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Air Traffic Controllers

THE JOB

Imagine trying to direct 260 tons of metal, filled with passengers and
cargo, through the air in the middle of a storm.  AIR-TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS
are responsible for the safe and efficient flow of air traffic throughout
the nation's airspace.  They navigate the airways, helping pilots pass other
planes, find their way through fog and rough weather, and land safely at a
busy airport.  They coordinate flights to prevent accidents and minimize
delays in takeoffs and landings. 

Most civilian Air Traffic Controllers work for the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) or the Department of Defense (DOD).  They can be 
found working in three basic specialties:  Air Traffic Control Towers, 
En Route Centers, and Flight Service Stations.

Airport Tower Controllers regulate a specific airport's traffic.  They use
two-way radios to give pilots permission to take off and land.  They also
direct ground traffic, which includes taxiing aircraft, vehicles, and
airport workers.  Tower Controllers normally direct air traffic within three
to thirty miles of an airport.  When planes leave this assigned airspace
they are passed on to an En Route Center.

En Route Controllers regulate flights between airports.  They contact
pilots by radio and control their position in the airways between tower
jurisdictions. Using sophisticated radar and computer equipment, they
maintain a progressive check on aircraft and issue instructions, clearance,
and advice.  When an aircraft leaves the airspace assigned to an En Route
Center, control passes on to the next center or to a Tower Controller.  If a
pilot is lost or having trouble, the center gives orientation instructions
and directions to the nearest emergency landing field.  En Route Controllers
work in teams of two or three.

Flight Service Station Controllers are experts on the terrain, airports, and
navigational facilities in their areas. Pilots file their flight plans with
Station Controllers who conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions,
suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, and other flight
safety information.  They often use direction-finding equipment to provide
special assistance to search-and-rescue operations.  

Controllers in all three specialties use radio, teletype, inter-telephone,
and other electronic equipment to monitor and contact aircraft.  


WORKING CONDITIONS

Airport Tower Controllers almost always work in a glass-walled room at the
top of airport towers.  Rooms are small; those in larger airports usually have 
carpeting, tinted glass, and acoustical ceilings.  Airport Towers, En Route 
Centers, and Flight Service Stations are usually fully air-conditioned.  Rooms 
in Flight Centers are large and dimly lit for proper viewing of the many radar 
screens arranged in tiers and rows.

Controllers are often responsible for several aircraft simultaneously. The
number of craft varies with size of airport, time of day and weather.
Controllers must be able to work under extreme pressure, often without a
break, for up to four hours at a stretch.  They must be able to visualize
the whole traffic picture, establish priorities, and think clearly in
emergencies.  They must have a good memory, and be able to listen to more
than one pilot at a time.  The pace is often hurried and controllers must
make quick and accurate decisions.  Any indecision or delay could contribute
to a catastrophic loss of lives and property.

Flight Service Station Controllers may join the National Association of Air
Traffic Specialists, while the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
(NATCA) serves Airport Tower and En Route Controllers.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993           3,290
Estimated number of workers in 2005           3,570
Projected Growth 1993-2005                       9%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   990

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Growth in this occupation will be much slower than average through the
forecast period.  According to the Secretary of Transportation, there will
be more sophisticated computerized equipment put in place by 2005.  Even the
most experienced Air Traffic Controllers will need training to use the new
equipment.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers start at $24,734 per year at the General
Schedule-7 (GS-7).  Journey-level wages for controllers depend on the size
and complexity of the facility where they work.  For example, for smaller
towns in California like Chico and Modesto, the rate at the journey-level is
$33,320, (GS-10); while, at the Sacramento airport, the journey-level pay is
$39,406  (GS-11).  In busier airports, the pay can go as high as $86,275
(GS-14).  Top pay for journey-level Flight Service Station Controllers is
$61,401 (GS-12).  Many controllers receive additional pay to compensate for
higher living costs in expensive areas.

The basic work week for all Air Traffic Controllers is 40 hours with time-
and-a-half or compensatory time off for additional hours worked.  Pay for
work on holidays is double the usual rate.  Controllers work rotating shifts.
They earn sick leave and vacation time at the same rate as other federal
employees.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Applicants for Air Traffic Controller positions must pass an exam.  In
addition, they are required to have three years of general experience, four
years of college, or a combination of experience and education.  The GS
rating assigned to new controllers is determined by their score on the 
qualifying test, their college academic standing, and any specialized
aviation experience they may have.  College graduates with civilian or
military experience as controllers, navigators, or pilots will have the best
chance for appointment.  Aspiring controllers should study English,
mathematics, speech, and electronics in high school and college.

The FAA has established a maximum age of 30 at the time of appointment for
tower and center candidates.  Applicants must pass a rigid physical exam and
psychological test, have vision corrected to 20/20, and speak clearly.
Controllers must pass a yearly physical and are tested semiannually for job
proficiency.

Once appointed, new recruits receive training at the FAA Aeronautical Center
in Oklahoma City.  Formalized classroom and on-the-job training is given at
their assigned facility until the Controller reaches journey-level status.
Journey-level achievement varies from facility to facility.  At towers and
centers, it is generally GS-13 or GS-14.  Most controllers reach journey
level in two-to-three years.


ADVANCEMENT

An Air Traffic Controller may be promoted to supervisory or management
positions.  The pay for a senior executive position is over $90,000.  The
FAA has a policy of promoting from within when filling higher Air Traffic
Controller positions.  Many of the FAA's key officials began their service
as Air Traffic Controllers.


FINDING THE JOB

Most civilian controllers work for the FAA or the DOD. Application forms and
information about tests are available at U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Job Information Centers.  Job Seekers should contact the nearest center and
ask for a copy of the Air Traffic Controller Announcement, the Qualifications
Information Statement for Air Traffic Control Specialist Positions, and a
list of test locations.

The Western Regional Headquarters of the Federal Aviation Administration is
located in Los Angeles and is responsible for coordinating all military and
civilian air traffic in California, Nevada, and Arizona.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of Aviation Careers, AMH-300
Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
(405) 954-4657
www.faa.gov

For testing schedules contact your nearest Office of Personnel Management or 
the Federal Job Information Center.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association
1150 17th Street, N.W. #701 
Washington, DC 20036
www.natca.org

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Meteorologists           No. 200
Aircraft Pilots          No. 290

OCCUPATIONAL CODE  REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Air Traffic Control Specialist, Station        193.162-014
Air Traffic Control Specialist, Tower          193.162-018

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Airplane Dispatchers and Air Traffic Controllers    390020


Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.