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Military Career: Air Traffic Control Managers

 

Overview

Air traffic control centers often have several sections giving instructions to military aircraft. One section gives take-off and landing instructions. Another gives ground instructions. A third section tracks planes in flight. Air traffic control managers direct the operations of air traffic control centers.

What They Do

Air traffic control managers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Plan work schedules for air traffic controllers
  • Manage air traffic control center operations to ensure safe flights
  • Inspect control center facilities and equipment
  • Direct tests of radar equipment and controller procedures
  • Investigate and solve problems in control center operations
  • Control air traffic using radar and radios

Branches of the Military

Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps

Helpful Attributes

Helpful fields of study include aeronautical engineering, computer science, and liberal arts. Helpful attributes include:

  • Ability to manage in accordance with strict standards
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations Decisiveness
  • Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail

Training Provided

Job training consists of 6 to 11 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

  • Air traffic control management
  • Operational procedures for air traffic control
  • Communications and radar procedures
  • Aircraft recognition
  • Take-off, landing, and ground control procedures

Physical Demands

Air traffic control personnel must pass a demanding physical exam as required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Work Environment

Air traffic control managers work in air traffic control towers and centers at airfields and aboard ships.

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation. Certification by the FAA must usually be obtained during military training.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian air traffic control managers work at commercial airports. They perform duties similar to those performed by military air traffic control managers.

Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:

Air Traffic Controllers
Storage and Transportation Managers

Opportunities

The services have about 1,800 air traffic control managers. Each year, they need new managers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, managers are assigned to air traffic control centers at airfields or aboard ships, where they gain experience in air traffic control management. They may advance to senior management and command positions in the aviation field.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.