If you’re looking for a career that gives you wings, you might consider a career in aviation. Working in the aviation industry doesn’t mean that you have to become a pilot. You don’t even have to worry about having a fear of heights.
One of the areas where demand is anticipated is in air traffic control. The Federal Aviation Administration, which is responsible for regulating air travel, recently added partner schools with aviation programs to help train individuals to meet that anticipated demand and to serve as primary hiring sources in the field.
Moving into air traffic control after obtaining an aviation degree means working to manage the flow of traffic in the air. Air traffic controllers monitor and track aircraft from radar screens, remaining alert to equipment, runway and weather conditions, and communicating with pilots in ways that depend upon their assignments.
One of the areas where demand is anticipated is in air traffic control. The Federal Aviation Administration, which is responsible for regulating air travel, recently added partner schools with aviation programs to help train individuals to meet that anticipated demand and to serve as primary hiring sources in the field.
Moving into air traffic control after obtaining an aviation degree means working to manage the flow of traffic in the air. Air traffic controllers monitor and track aircraft from radar screens, remaining alert to equipment, runway and weather conditions, and communicating with pilots in ways that depend upon their assignments.
There are two types of assignments for air traffic controllers who complete the right aviation programs. They include what’s known as terminal or en route options. With the terminal option, controllers are assigned to control towers and radar approach facilities. With en route options, they work at air route traffic control centers in major metropolitan areas of the Midwest.
Working in an en route assignment, traffic controllers work with aircraft at high altitudes and speak with pilots from any of 21 en route centers. Working a terminal assignment, they would guide pilots through airspace around airports as they approach or depart the area. There are controllers who work at an Air Traffic Control System Command Center to plan air traffic throughout the country and, with others, create “master plans.” There are also those who work within airport towers and remote approach control facilities, helping aircraft taxi the runway and take off and land.
Changes are ahead for this profession, which is what modern day aviation program students might discover. Instead of radar, for example, controllers in the future are expected to work with navigation that is satellite-based, providing them with more precise positions for aircraft. This may result in an increase of traffic handled by the airspace. It is anticipated that the satellite is to help make routes more direct while delays at the same time are reduced.
Completing an aviation program such as aviation technology might help students toward their goals of becoming an air traffic controller. Requirements for this career also include American citizenship and being at least 30 years old and passing background and security investigations as well as exams. In addition to physical exams, applicants are expected to pass FAA aptitude tests and physical exams. Eligible candidates who are hired by the FAA must then undergo additional training with the agency.
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