Navy NEC · Aviation

W17A Supervisory Air Intercept Controller

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

Overview

A Supervisory Air Intercept Controller supervises air intercept performance and reports and assists in resolving track confusion. The controller trains Air Intercept Controllers and conducts check flights with them in accordance with applicable instructions.

Minimum clearance: TS/SCI

Core Skills

  • air intercept supervision
  • radar track correlation
  • controller training
  • performance evaluation
  • check flight coordination
  • air defense control
  • operational reporting
  • tactical risk management
  • watch team leadership

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
  • Training and Education
  • Emergency Management

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
  • Certified Postsecondary Instructor (CPI)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Career Growth

  • FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification
  • Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

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

  • Commercial Pilots
  • Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
  • Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
  • Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.

Defense contractor jobs for W17A

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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