Job opportunities in aviation
Timothy Milan
Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: News
Despite the economic slump of the past several years, the aviation industry has been hiring while others continue to lay off workers.
Over the next eight years, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans on hiring close to 12,000 air traffic controllers, people in much demand because of the high caliber of alertness and precision required.
"The job is rewarding and challenging," Brooks Morrison, staff specialist at Allegheny County Airport, told the Voice. "Each day presents different scenarios and involves teamwork. There are pressures, and the lives of the flying public are in your hands. It involves making split second decisions in a dynamic environment."
In order to become an air traffic controller, one of three routes can be taken: colleges that offer air traffic studies, the military or a public hiring. A college degree is not required.
After studies have been completed, applicants must take an aptitude test to determine if necessary qualities are present. If the test is passed, an interview with the FAA and a thorough medical exam and security check are conducted.
"Once this is completed, the person is hired and assigned to the FAA academy located in Oklahoma City where they will train for three months," Morrison said. "This training is 'pass or fail' with no in-between. If the candidate does not pass, they cannot resume the path to become an air traffic controller."
After passing the entire course, candidates are assigned to a facility and, depending on which level, more training can take one to three years.
"The facility training is also pass or fail, and if you do not demonstrate the ability to do the job, employment will be terminated," Morrison said.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, air traffic controller is a very mentally-challenging profession. Mental awareness is one of the most important factors needed to be a controller.
"Total concentration is required to keep track of several planes at the same time and to make certain that all pilots receive correct instructions. The mental stress of being responsible for the safety of several aircraft and their passengers can be exhausting." [Bureau of Labor Statistics]
Over the next eight years, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans on hiring close to 12,000 air traffic controllers, people in much demand because of the high caliber of alertness and precision required.
"The job is rewarding and challenging," Brooks Morrison, staff specialist at Allegheny County Airport, told the Voice. "Each day presents different scenarios and involves teamwork. There are pressures, and the lives of the flying public are in your hands. It involves making split second decisions in a dynamic environment."
In order to become an air traffic controller, one of three routes can be taken: colleges that offer air traffic studies, the military or a public hiring. A college degree is not required.
After studies have been completed, applicants must take an aptitude test to determine if necessary qualities are present. If the test is passed, an interview with the FAA and a thorough medical exam and security check are conducted.
"Once this is completed, the person is hired and assigned to the FAA academy located in Oklahoma City where they will train for three months," Morrison said. "This training is 'pass or fail' with no in-between. If the candidate does not pass, they cannot resume the path to become an air traffic controller."
After passing the entire course, candidates are assigned to a facility and, depending on which level, more training can take one to three years.
"The facility training is also pass or fail, and if you do not demonstrate the ability to do the job, employment will be terminated," Morrison said.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, air traffic controller is a very mentally-challenging profession. Mental awareness is one of the most important factors needed to be a controller.
"Total concentration is required to keep track of several planes at the same time and to make certain that all pilots receive correct instructions. The mental stress of being responsible for the safety of several aircraft and their passengers can be exhausting." [Bureau of Labor Statistics]