53-2021.00Apprenticeship

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Transportation and Material Moving
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Government
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Technology Tools

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordAdobe AcrobatSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
  • Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
  • Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
  • Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
  • Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
  • Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
  • Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
  • Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
  • Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
  • Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
  • Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
  • Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
  • Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
  • Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.
  • Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.
  • Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.
  • Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.
  • Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.
  • Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.
  • Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.
  • Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.
  • Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.
  • Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.

Skills

Active Listening
85%
Speaking
81%
Critical Thinking
78%
Judgment and Decision Making
78%
Complex Problem Solving
75%
Monitoring
75%
Coordination
72%
Reading Comprehension
69%
Active Learning
69%
Time Management
63%
Social Perceptiveness
60%
Systems Analysis
56%
Operations Monitoring
56%
Service Orientation
53%
Writing
53%
Instructing
53%
Systems Evaluation
53%
Learning Strategies
53%
Mathematics
47%
Persuasion
47%
Management of Personnel Resources
47%
Operations Analysis
44%
Quality Control Analysis
44%
Negotiation
41%
Operation and Control
38%
Troubleshooting
25%
Programming
19%
Management of Material Resources
19%
Science
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Technology Design
19%
Equipment Selection
6%
Equipment Maintenance
6%
Repairing
3%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Transportation
80%
English Language
73%
Education and Training
69%
Public Safety and Security
69%
Customer and Personal Service
65%
Geography
62%
Telecommunications
61%
Mathematics
57%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Law and Government
45%
Psychology
39%
Administration and Management
39%
Communications and Media
37%
Physics
35%
Personnel and Human Resources
32%
Administrative
30%
Engineering and Technology
28%
Production and Processing
25%
Design
23%
Mechanical
16%
Therapy and Counseling
13%
Economics and Accounting
12%
Sociology and Anthropology
10%
Philosophy and Theology
9%
Foreign Language
7%
History and Archeology
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
5%
Sales and Marketing
5%
Chemistry
5%
Fine Arts
4%
Building and Construction
4%
Biology
3%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
94%
Oral Expression
91%
Oral Comprehension
91%
Selective Attention
88%
Deductive Reasoning
85%
Flexibility of Closure
81%
Inductive Reasoning
81%
Speed of Closure
81%
Perceptual Speed
78%
Far Vision
78%
Speech Clarity
78%
Near Vision
78%
Time Sharing
78%
Speech Recognition
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Written Comprehension
72%
Category Flexibility
66%
Visualization
63%
Auditory Attention
63%
Fluency of Ideas
60%
Written Expression
60%
Originality
60%
Mathematical Reasoning
53%
Memorization
50%
Number Facility
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Hearing Sensitivity
47%
Finger Dexterity
47%
Control Precision
47%
Depth Perception
41%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
38%
Manual Dexterity
35%
Night Vision
28%
Glare Sensitivity
28%
Spatial Orientation
22%
Reaction Time
19%
Sound Localization
19%
Trunk Strength
19%
Peripheral Vision
16%
Response Orientation
16%
Rate Control
13%
Multilimb Coordination
10%
Extent Flexibility
3%
Wrist-Finger Speed
3%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
96%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
90%
Getting Information
89%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
81%
Processing Information
80%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
80%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
78%
Training and Teaching Others
78%
Analyzing Data or Information
75%
Thinking Creatively
73%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
73%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
73%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
66%
Coaching and Developing Others
65%
Working with Computers
62%
Documenting/Recording Information
58%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
58%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
55%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
54%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
53%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
52%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
49%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
47%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
44%
Developing and Building Teams
44%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
42%
Scheduling Work and Activities
38%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
37%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
36%
Controlling Machines and Processes
33%
Assisting and Caring for Others
30%
Performing Administrative Activities
25%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
22%
Handling and Moving Objects
19%
Staffing Organizational Units
18%
Selling or Influencing Others
13%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
13%
Performing General Physical Activities
12%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
10%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
7%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
4%

Work Context

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

98%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

97%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

96%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

96%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

95%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

93%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

92%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

86%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

85%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

82%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

82%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

81%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

80%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

79%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

79%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

78%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

73%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

71%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

65%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

63%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

63%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

63%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

62%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

60%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

59%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

56%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

52%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

42%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

41%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

38%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

32%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

32%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

29%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

27%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

24%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

17%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

16%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

14%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

13%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

9%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

7%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

7%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

6%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

6%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

5%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

5%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

4%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

4%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

4%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

3%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

3%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

3%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

3%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

3%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

3%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

3%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

36%

Post-secondary certificate

21%

Bachelor's degree

20%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

64

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

62

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

54

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

27

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

26

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Cautiousness
100%
Self-Control
100%
Stress Tolerance
100%
Dependability
98%
Integrity
85%
Self-Confidence
81%
Perseverance
73%
Adaptability
72%
Achievement Orientation
70%
Cooperation
65%
Leadership Orientation
51%
Intellectual Curiosity
31%
Sincerity
25%
Initiative
18%
Optimism
11%
Empathy
10%
Social Orientation
6%

Work Values

Support
83%
Independence
72%
Working Conditions
72%
Achievement
67%
Recognition
67%
Relationships
39%

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