How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

In the continually growing fields of aeronautics and aviation, some would say that the industry chooses you before you even know it. For Associate Professor of the Practice Dr. Linda Vee Weiland, the aviation industry claimed her heart from day one when she was nearly born on an Eastern Airlines flight between Detroit and Fort Lauderdale and was then named after the pilot's wife. 

Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Aviation Associate Professor of the Practice Dr. Linda Vee Weiland. (Photo: Embry-Riddle)

“I have loved aviation my entire life,” Weiland shared while discussing how she entered the industry. “I decided that being an air traffic controller (ATC) in the Navy would be a way to be in aviation, get a college education and see the world.” 

Weiland joined Embry-Riddle as a professor in 1994 after 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy and six more years as a Liaison Engineer for a major airline. “When I think of the industry, I don’t just think of air traffic control,” Weiland replied when asked what inspires her about the field. “Controllers are just one piece of the aviation industry that involves many occupations and systems. My inspiration comes from having the seminal experience of almost being born on a plane and having great mentors and role models.” 

What is air traffic control? 

"Air traffic control is part of aeronautics and aviation at a global level. It is exciting, mainly fast-paced and never boring,” said Weiland while speaking of the industry in which she has decades of experience. 

"An air traffic controller’s main job is to move aircraft safely and expeditiously in many environments. With the future of new technology in the airspace, it will continue to be a global environment that is exciting and fun.” 

Where do air traffic graduates work?

“The outlook is very bright to become an air traffic controller [...], and there is such an anticipated prediction of growth in the industry for travel and the movement of cargo along with new entrants to the airspace that one should watch for new opportunities along with the traditional ones for ATC.” 

Some of the top employers' students in the Air Traffic program find careers with include the U.S. military, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Defense. 

Air traffic controllers graduate from Embry-Riddle set to take on the growing aviation industry in positions such as: 

• Airfield Operation Specialists 

• Flight Dispatchers

• Ground Controllers

• Pilot Operators

• Traffic Controllers

How do you get into the air traffic control industry?

Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses offer a bachelor's degree in Air Traffic Management, providing students with practical application courses and simulation and lab experience. This exposure to facilities, industry-experienced professors and hands-on learning opportunities gives students a solid foundation to enter air traffic careers. 

Both residential campuses include the Approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, providing students with not only the basics of air traffic but hands-on high-fidelity air traffic control simulators in the Tower and The Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) labs. Graduates are provided the CTI Endorsement upon graduation, which enables them to apply under a separate hiring pool for air traffic control. 

If you’re looking to add air traffic expertise on top of another degree, Weiland recommends “taking the Minor in Air Traffic Management... which focuses on air traffic management and operational concepts, providing students with an understanding of the industry while emphasizing its global applications.”

The Air Traffic Management minor offered through Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus also offers course credit for air traffic controllers in military service. Additionally, to be an FAA controller, the FAA requires three years of work experience and/or a bachelor’s degree. Weiland also recommends to those looking to have an aviation-related career that “students should look at the industry to find role models and mentors. Specifically, to get into air traffic control or management, students should look for an organization to join.” 

What are the benefits of being in the industry?

“First, it is a very robust and exciting industry,” Weiland shared while discussing the highs of working in the air traffic industry. “The FAA will train you! There are also many positions in training and other areas of air traffic management that are not specifically the controller on the position.” 

In addition to the wide range of positions this industry offers, Weiland spoke on benefits for controllers on the job, from stable benefits packages through government employers to full-time position offers. 

“Controllers work full-time with rotating shifts and may have some additional work hours; however, they usually work in good facilities. [...] Air traffic control is a 24/7, 365-day job that demands flexibility.” 

Have you seen any challenges in the industry? 

One of the biggest challenges in the air traffic industry is flexibility. “If you are not flexible about work hours and the fact that each day can be entirely different from the day before or the day after, air traffic might not be the best fit,” Weiland provided. 

There are a few other challenges in the industry, such as growing demands for travel and extreme weather shifts that can happen quickly. Industry challenges, such as the current shortage of air traffic controllers, can be a benefit for students looking to enter the industry following graduation. 

Any advice for students considering joining the field? 

As the need for air traffic controllers continues to rise across the U.S., interest in the industry has increased. Trying out introductory classes or researching the field can help students decide if a major in Air Traffic Management is the best career path for their future.  

Students within the program would also benefit from role models and mentors, rising in rank in industry and getting acquainted with organizations that promote air traffic control, such as the FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. military. “There is so much information at your fingertips,” Weiland shares. “Go on the web and research the occupation.” See if you can see yourself in the field of air traffic control.

Is an air traffic controller career for you? Apply to Embry-Riddle today and find out!