Life as an air traffic controller: what to expect?

Print anything with Printful



Air traffic controllers have a high-stress job but high salary. They ensure safe aircraft departures and arrivals and maintain safe distances. Military air traffic controllers receive free training, but civilian controllers must pay. Overnight shifts are difficult, and trainees work under experienced controllers.

Life as an air traffic controller can be quite stressful, but it can also be quite rewarding. The salary for this position tends to be quite high, but so is the stress level: Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe departure and arrival of aircraft at airports, as well as maintaining safe distances between aircraft in a given region or airspace. Your life as an air traffic controller will require highly specialized skills and a lot of education, and you may need to work long hours.

If you intend to start a life as an air traffic controller in the military, you will be subject to military rules and regulations, as well as many civil air rules and regulations. Working in the military is quite different from working in a civilian position, and you may need to travel to various parts of the world to complete your work. One of the perks of becoming a military air traffic controller is the training you will receive: as a civilian you will be required to pay for your own training and education, but in the military you will receive much of that training for free.

Before starting your life as an air traffic controller, you will need to meet specific criteria outlined by various government agencies; in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates air traffic controllers. It’s a good idea to research the various qualifications you will need to have before becoming an air traffic controller, as the training can be rigorous, as can the qualifications required. You are likely to spend several years as an air traffic controller trainee working under the guidance and supervision of a more experienced controller.

Working overnight shifts can be quite difficult; therefore, you will need to prepare for life as an air traffic controller by changing your schedule. Sleeping during the day and working at night can be very hard on the body and mind, and the transition can take some time. It is vital that you stay awake and aware at all times while on shift to give instructions to pilots and monitor the flight patterns of the various aircraft arriving at the airport. The safety of all personnel and passengers will rest on your shoulders, which can raise the stress level of this position.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content