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Before you dive into becoming an air traffic controller, there are a couple of things you need to know. First, anyone that has no previous air traffic control experience must be 30 years of age or younger. And second, the Federal Government employs a majority of air traffic controllers, so you will need to pass a test and go through a rigorous training program, not to mention an extensive background check.
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Associate’s degrees in air traffic control can be completed at select community colleges. Those that are close to airports are often a student’s best bet to find an associate’s program, particularly one that includes internships or practical work experience. Air traffic control programs are not necessarily the most popular, but they can still be competitive because schools tend to keep programs small. This means that students will get plenty of opportunities for one-on-one learning at the best schools.
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Undergraduate students who major in aviation management will study fundamentals of air traffic control on a deeper level than students who earn only associate’s degrees, taking a roster of classes that includes principles of management, human factors in aviation, aviation meteorology, aircraft operations, and aviation law.
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As you may imagine, there is more than one type of air traffic controller. Although all controllers do the same basic thing – keep the air safe and efficient – the individual careers can be very different. Your career can be spent in a tower, on the ground, or a combination of the two. In your career, you may also have the option of working with either the military or the Federal Aviation Administration.
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The exciting career of an air traffic controller offers great pay and benefits to top-notch performers. Air traffic controllers keep airplanes at safe distances from each other by organizing the movements of inbound and outbound flights. They must be able to react quickly in emergencies and communicate clearly with pilots and crew.
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The master’s degree is the highest degree offered in aviation management or air traffic control. There are still very few such programs available in the country, but thanks to distance learning, students who live anywhere can enroll in such programs, provided they are accepted through a relatively competitive application process.
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General scholarships can usually be applied to associate degree programs, bachelor degree programs and master degree programs. However, there are many scholarships that are particular to aviation programs of all types. Students who are hoping to attend aviation or air traffic control schools can all benefit from applying for these lucrative scholarships to offset the cost of earning a certificate or degree. Aviation related scholarships can help students who are interested in working in some sector of aviation realize their educational dreams.
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When entering a new career in air traffic control, there are bound to be a number of questions. The following are a few common ones regarding the FAA's pre-employment test.
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Like the area they keep open for airplanes, the career of air traffic controllers looks clear. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), air traffic controllers will be experiencing "as fast as the average" employment growth through 2018. "The employment of air traffic controllers is projected to grow by 13% from 2008 to 2018," they report.
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Aviation certificates are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are intended for professionals who are working in some area of aviation – from pilot to mechanic. Air travel is dangerous and those professionals who work in the industry are charged with the safety of hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Therefore, the aviation industry is heavily regulated and requiring certification of professionals is only one of the ways the FAA makes the safety of passengers and employees a priority.
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Use our map application to quickly browse accredited air traffic control colleges close to where you live. Our map app will make finding a school that meets your unique needs easy and fast.
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