Is air traffic controller hard to get?


Is air traffic controller hard to get? But it can also be a high-stress job, and becoming an air traffic controller involves a grueling training process that can typically take between 18 months and three years. The training requires a series of tests, skills assessments, and both physical and psychological exams.


Why under 30 for air traffic controller?

And then there's the issue of age: In the US, air traffic controllers are required to retire at the age of 56, and the FAA won't hire anyone older than age 31, because they want candidates to have at least a 25-year career path. “We have 1,200 fewer air traffic controllers today than we had 10 years ago,” says Freeman.


Can I be an air traffic controller after 31?

And then there's the issue of age: In the US, air traffic controllers are required to retire at the age of 56, and the FAA won't hire anyone older than age 31, because they want candidates to have at least a 25-year career path. “We have 1,200 fewer air traffic controllers today than we had 10 years ago,” says Freeman.


Is there a high demand for air traffic controllers?

Job Outlook Employment of air traffic controllers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,000 openings for air traffic controllers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.


Why are air traffic controllers paid so well?

Air traffic controllers get paid six-figure salaries because the nature of their work is stressful, exhausting, and leaves no room for error. While there are various routes to become one, air traffic controllers have to undergo lots of training as the safety of the aircrew and passengers is on the line.


Do you enjoy being an air traffic controller?

Benefit from rewarding work. While working as an air traffic controller is undoubtedly stressful, those with the right mentality for the role often find their career choice incredibly satisfying.


What is the pass rate for air traffic controllers?

On average we need to assess 3,300 applicants to find 15 Controllers that will validate to work on live airspace. 0.5% of applicants are successful. With the busiest airspace in the world, it's crucial that we recruit effectively through a rigorous assessment and selection process.


Why do ATC have to retire at 56?

The argument for mandatory retirement appears to have been that (a) the mid 50s were the ages in which burnout was likely to occur among controllers as a result of job stress, (b) age 56 would allow a controller to accumulate 25 years or more of creditable service if hired at the proposed maximum entry age of 31, and ...


Why do air traffic controllers retire early?

Because the job is so demanding, Air Traffic Controllers have a mandatory retirement at age 56. For special provisions, your pension is more generous than your fellow traditional federal employees.


Do air traffic controllers fly free?

Although air traffic controllers may not get free flights like flight attendants do, they still have attractive employee benefits. For example, their employers often give them permanent discounts which they can use to buy tickets and other products that the airport or a specific airline carries.


How many air traffic controllers will be hired in 2023?

FAA Hits 1,500-Controller Hiring Goal for 2023 | Federal Aviation Administration.


Will age 67 pass for pilots?

Lawmakers approved the bill, called the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which included a provision to raise the retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67 amid a major pilot shortage, in a 351-69 vote.


How many air traffic controllers are hired per year?

Over the past five years, the FAA has hired over 7,200 new air trafic controllers. In FY 2020, we exceeded our target with 920 controller hires versus a plan of 910 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Is 35 too old to be an air traffic controller?

Applicants to air traffic controller positions who are maintaining 52 weeks of ATC experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic after receiving an air traffic certification or ATC facility rating, must be age 35 or below on closing date of the announcement.


Is 33 too old to become air traffic controller?

What are the age requirements for individuals without previous air traffic control (ATC) experience? Candidates applying to an ATCS Trainee announcement must be age 30 or below, cannot be age 31 as of the closing date of the vacancy.


What are the disadvantages of being an air traffic controller?

Air traffic control is a high-pressure job that requires quick thinking and decision-making in high-stress situations. Demanding work schedules. Air traffic controllers often work long and irregular hours, including overnight and weekend shifts, which can be challenging for maintaining a work-life balance.


Do air traffic controllers make 6 figures?

Air traffic controller is a six-figure job that doesn't require a four-year degree. People with this position are responsible for making sure that aircraft are operating at a safe distance from each other.