Navy NEC · Aviation
F04A Advanced Radar Traffic Controller
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
The Advanced Radar Traffic Controller provides approach control services at a terminal air traffic control facility using radar or nonradar procedures. This controller handles arriving and departing VFR and IFR aircraft and occasionally provides service to aircraft flying enroute.
Core Skills
- radar approach control
- nonradar approach control
- aircraft separation
- vfr ifr clearance delivery
- traffic sequencing
- terminal airspace management
- pilot radio communication
- flight progress recordkeeping
- emergency traffic handling
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
- Commercial Aviation
- Aviation Management
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification
- FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
Career Growth
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
Also Common
- FAA Control Tower Operator Certificate
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
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.
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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