Certification or Licensing
Training continues on the job, and new controllers also receive classroom instruction. Depending on the size and complexity of the facility, a new hire may require between two and four years to become a fully certified air traffic controller. Controllers must be certified at each progressive level of air traffic control, usually within a certain period. Failure to be certified within the time limit is grounds for dismissal. Air traffic controllers must also pass annual physical exams and performance reviews.
Other Requirements
Applicants for airport tower or en route traffic control jobs must be 30 years of age or younger, pass physical and psychological examinations, be U.S. citizens, and have vision that can be corrected to 20/20. Flight service stations will accept applicants who are over the age of 30.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Agricultural Pilots
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Airplane Dispatchers
- Airport Security Personnel
- Airport Service Workers
- App Services Workers
- Armored Truck Drivers
- Autonomous Vehicle Safety and Test Drivers
- Aviation Safety Inspectors
- Avionics Engineers
- Avionics Technicians
- Driverless Car Engineers
- Fleet Maintenance Technicians
- Flight Attendants
- Flight Instructors
- Green Transportation Careers
- Ground Services Workers
- Hypersonics Engineers
- Hypersonics Technicians
- Military Pilots
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
- Pilots
- Public Transportation Operators
- Railroad Conductors
- Reservation and Ticket Agents
- Ship's Captains
- Space Pilots
- Taxi Drivers
- Toll Collectors
- Traffic Engineers
- Transportation Engineers
- Transportation Planners
- Truck Dispatchers
- Truck Drivers