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Job Description: The air traffic control system is a vast network of people and sophisticated equipment that ensures the safe operation of all aircraft. Civilian air traffic control supervisors work at commercial airports. Air traffic control centers often have several sections. One section gives take-off and landing instructions. Another gives ground instruction. A third section may track planes in flight. The radar controller, who is the senior team member, is usually the manager or supervisor of operations. They monitor the airspace on radar and communicate with the pilots when necessary. Air traffic control supervisors direct the overall operation of air traffic control centers. They manage the team members, who give flight and ground instructions to aircraft pilots and navigators. In the military these workers are called air traffic control managers.

Duties: Both civilian and military air traffic control supervisors/managers perform similar duties such as the following:

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

Working Conditions: Civilian air traffic control supervisors work at commercial airports. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is developing and implementing a new automated air traffic control system. As a result, powerful computers will help controllers deal with increased air traffic. At present, supervisors monitor controllers as they sit at their radar screens. During peak travel times, the job is stressful and requires rapid and efficient decision making skills.

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

Educational Requirements: A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation. Certification by the FAA must also be obtained. For related information and recommended courses to prepare for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Trade and Industrial Education Standards, Competency Profiles, and Resource Links online.

Military job training consists of between 6 and 11 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes air traffic control management; operational procedures; communications and radar procedures; aircraft recognition techniques; and takeoff, landing, and ground control procedures.

Outlook: The estimated number of air traffic controllers in Tennessee is 430. It is projected there will be a 4 percent increase in this occupation through the year 2012 with only 10 job openings annually. A new FAA hiring policy, allowing eligible retired military air traffic controllers to apply for FAA positions, will make competition for positions keen. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

The military services have about 1,800 air traffic control managers. On average, they need about 80 new air traffic control managers each year. For more information for Officers in Transportation Careers visit Today's Military online.

Military service: Military air traffic control managers are officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or the Marine Corps.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 22, 2008