Air Traffic Control Managers

Background

Air traffic control centers often have several sections giving instructions to military aircraft. One section gives take-off and landing instructions. Another gives ground instructions. A third section tracks planes in flight. Air traffic control managers direct the operations of air traffic control centers.

What They Do

Air traffic control managers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Control air traffic using radar and radios
• Direct tests of radar equipment and controller procedures
• Inspect control center facilities and equipment
• Investigate and solve problems in control center operations
• Manage air traffic control center operations to ensure safe flights
• Plan work schedules for air traffic controllers

Physical Demands

Air traffic control personnel must pass a demanding physical exam as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Special Requirements

A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career. Certification by the FAA must usually be obtained during military training.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to manage in accordance with strict standards
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Decisiveness
• Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

Helpful fields of study include:

• Aeronautical engineering
• Computer science
• Liberal arts

Work Environment

Air traffic control managers work in air traffic control towers and centers at airfields and aboard ships.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for officers.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of six to 11 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Course content typically includes:

• Air traffic control management
• Aircraft recognition
• Communications and radar procedures
• Operational procedures for air traffic control
• Take-off, landing, and ground control procedures

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian air traffic control managers work at commercial airports. They perform duties similar to those performed by military air traffic control managers.

Related Civilian Careers

• Air Traffic Controllers
• Storage and Transportation Managers

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 1,800 air traffic control managers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new air traffic control managers due to changes in personnel and the demands in the field. After job training, managers are assigned to air traffic control centers at airfields or aboard ships, where they gain experience in air traffic control management. They may advance to senior management and command positions in the aviation field.