Marine Corps MOS · Aviation
7291 Senior Air Traffic Controller
Overview
Senior Air Traffic Controllers perform branch chief duties as tower chiefs, radar chiefs, or training chiefs and manage air traffic control functions within their branches. They oversee controller credentialing and apply Federal Aviation Administration regulations, NATOPS, and standard operating procedures, while senior grades also advise leaders on operational planning and personnel management.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- air traffic control operations management
- radar and tower operations oversight
- application of FAA and NATOPS regulations
- credentialing and compliance management
- training program development and evaluation
- risk management and safety oversight
- real-time decision making under pressure
- staff scheduling and resource allocation
- briefing, debriefing, and stakeholder communication
- team leadership and mentoring
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Civilian Career Paths
- Air Traffic Control
- Aviation Management
- Project Management
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO)
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) · Funded
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate · Funded
Career Growth
- Aircraft Dispatcher
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate
What the Work Involves
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
Related Occupations
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Commercial Pilots
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
Report an error on this page