Description
Air Traffic Controllers (AC )provide Air Traffic Control (ATC) services at aviation towers, ashore and fleet radar facilities, and air operations offices world-wide; operate radio communication systems, and visual landing aids; direct aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR); operate surveillance radar, precision radar, data link approach systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment, and other ATC gear; respond to emergency air traffic situations; maintain current flight planning information and reference materials; and assist pilots in the preparation and processing of 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
- checklist and SOP adherence
- multi-tasking in high-stress environments
- log and record keeping
- shift work and watchstanding
- team coordination across multiple facilities
Common Certifications
- FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate
- FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) Certificate
- FAA Dispatcher Certificate
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (Aviation Safety)
Civilian Career Paths
- AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
- AVIATION MANAGEMENT
- TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
- IT MANAGEMENT
Defense contractor jobs for AC
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Navy publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.