How to Get Work as an Air Traffic Controller

Most people have heard of Air Traffic Controllers and imagine them to be the people standing at airports and on Aircraft Carriers waving coloured flags to direct planes. There is more to the profession than that including tower control, en-route control and terminal area control.

Air traffic controllers are required to be extremely observant, have good spatial skills, communication skills, understand the industry and instrumentation and be at least 18. In order to work on aircraft carriers you must be employed by the Defence Force (Air Force or Navy).

Education requirements depend on previous experience. While a degree in Applied Science (Aviation) or a diploma in Aviation Safety or related would be highly considered, experience such as pilot experience and other comprehensive aviation experience may assist in gaining a trainee job in the Industry.

Many controllers are employed by Airservices Australia, with training course duration of 18 months. Entrance into the course requires passing of a cognitive ability test, merit test, psychometric test, personality questionnaire, behavioural interview as well as good referee commendations.

This type of job would normally require shift work as most airports have incoming and outgoing flights during night hours as well as day hours, and generally higher traffic on weekends. This type of work can be flexible and advantageous for those with families or other commitments.

Salaries for air traffic controllers change depending on the level of responsibility. Trainee salaries begin around $32K and can increase to $120K for Traffic Control Leaders and senior positions. There are a limited number of positions for Air traffic controllers as they operate out of airports of which there are few that would employ large number of Air Traffic staff.

Find a position in the competitive field of Air Traffic Control, as well as more information here.