Navy Rating · Aviation
AC Air Traffic Controller
Overview
An Air Traffic Controller directs aircraft under visual and instrument flight rules from aviation towers, radar facilities, and air operations offices. The controller operates communication, radar, landing aid, data link, and identification equipment, responds to emergencies, and assists pilots with flight plans.
Core Skills
- real-time operations and decision making
- airspace and traffic management
- radar and sensor interpretation
- radio communications and phraseology
- procedural and rules-based operations
- situational awareness and risk assessment
- incident and emergency response coordination
- multi-tasking in high-stress environments
- log and record keeping
- team coordination across multiple facilities
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
- Transportation Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)
- Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO)
Career Growth
- Aircraft Dispatcher
- Amateur Radio Service Operator License: Amateur Extra Class · Funded
- General Communications Technician: Level 1 (GCT1)
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
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.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into AC. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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