How much does an air traffic controller make? An air traffic controller makes an excellent salary for their highly technical services. The National Airspace System (NAS) is a network of equipment and people designed to ensure the safe operation of private and commercial aircraft. Air traffic controllers work within the NAS coordinating the movement of air traffic, making sure that planes stay a safe distance apart.
How much does an air traffic controller make? Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Air traffic controllers focus is safety, but air traffic controllers must also efficiently direct planes in order to minimize delays during flights. Some air traffic controllers regulate air traffic through designated airspaces, while others regulate airport departures and arrivals. Air traffic controllers control, regulate, and authorize commercial airline flights in accordance to company or government regulations to ensure flight safety and expedite air traffic.
Air Traffic Controller Job Duties:
*Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency and when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
*Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots’ requests for altitude changes.
*Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, and maps in order to determine air routes.
*Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, and other information.
*Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance and baggage vehicles, and airport workers.
*Inspect, adjust, and control radio equipment and airport lights.
*Review records and reports for clarity and completeness, and maintain records and reports as required under federal law.
*Initiate and coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
*Organize flight plans and traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.
*Direct pilots to runways when space is available, or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
*Determine the timing and procedures for flight vector changes.
*Inform pilots about nearby planes as well as potentially hazardous conditions such as weather, speed and direction of wind, and visibility problems.
*Issue landing and take-off authorizations and instructions.
*Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, and other flight safety information.
*Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.
*Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, and observations.
*Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
*Maintain radio and telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, and other area control centers in order to coordinate aircraft movement.
*Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space and on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
*Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, and visual references.
*Relay to control centers such air traffic information as courses, altitudes, and expected arrival times.
*Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
Air traffic controllers are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an agency of the Federal Government. A person must pass a pre-employment test; complete an FAA-approved education program; meet the basic qualification requirements in accordance with Federal law; receive a school recommendation; and achieve a qualifying score on the FAA-authorized pre-employment test in order to ecome an air traffic controller. A medical exam, drug screening, and security clearance is required before hiring.
Air traffic controller employment will grow 10 percent from 2006 to 2016, as fast as the average for all occupations. Job growth is not expected to keep up with the increasing number of aircraft flying, creating keen competition for air traffic controller positions.
How much does an air traffic controller make per hour?
A May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows the median hourly wages for air traffic controllers was $51.44.
Industry And Hourly Wages
Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) $52.49
Support Activities for Air Transportation $38.61
Nonscheduled Air Transportation $55.57
Scheduled Air Transportation $37.47
Local Government (OES Designation) $23.84
How much does an air traffic controller make per year?
The median yearly salary for air traffic controllers according to a May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report was $106,990.
Industry And Annual Wages
Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) $109,170
Support Activities for Air Transportation $80,310
Nonscheduled Air Transportation $115,590
Scheduled Air Transportation $77,930
Local Government (OES Designation) $49,580
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