Aviation Careers

Air Traffic Control Specialists

Air traffic control specialists (ATCS) provide safe, secure and efficient air traffic services to air traffic control customers. Currently, FAA operates 264 air traffic control towers, 162 terminal radar approach control facilities (TRACON), 246 contract towers and six operations support facilities. As an ATCS working in one of these facilities you will be responsible for guiding passenger and cargo aircraft operating in the National Airspace System.

• In air traffic control towers at airports, ATCSs guide aircraft as they taxi to or from the gate while arriving or departing; give pilots permission to taxi, take off and land; direct pilots to runways; and separate aircraft on the airport surface.
• At remote approach control facilities, ATCSs guide aircraft into and out of airports that don't have tower facilities.
• At 21 en route centers, ATCSs guide airplanes flying at high altitudes through large sections of U.S. airspace, and communicate with pilots.
• At approach control facilities, ATCSs guide aircraft as they enter or leave airspace surrounding airports from about 40 miles away.
• ATCSs also work at more than 100 flight service stations, providing pilots information about weather and terrain.
• At our Air Traffic Control System Command Center, ATCSs plan air traffic for the entire country.

Qualifications and Training Requirements

Applicants must be under 31 years old and pass a physical exam, drug screening and criminal background check for consideration; job aptitude tests may also be required. Related military air traffic control experience or two-to-four years of college in aviation-related degrees are ideal paths to qualifying (see Air Traffic - Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Schools). Three years of progressive work experience, or a combination of college and work experience, may also qualify you (work experience includes commercial pilot, navigator or air dispatcher experience).

ATC training includes an intensive three-month training course at the FAA Academy. Class work and supervised on-the-job training may continue for two to four years depending on career specialties and the nature of the facility to which you, as a new developmental controller, are assigned.

Airway Transportation Systems Specialists (ATSS)

As an ATSS your job will be to install and maintain electronic equipment and lighting aids for facilities and services needed for aviation navigation. And as we develop the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), the demand for your services will continue to increase. In this role, you will:

• Work with radar, communications, computers, navigational aids, airport lighting aids and electrical/mechanical support for facilities on and off airports within the National Airspace System
• Perform periodic maintenance (inspection/analysis/adjustments), certification, troubleshooting and repair/replace malfunctioning equipment
• Assist with facility maintenance on electronic equipment, electrical power distribution and emergency backup power, power conditioning, and HVAC systems

You'll work at offices on or near airports and on service equipment throughout airports, air traffic control towers, automated flight service stations, air route traffic control centers, or even in open fields or on remote mountain tops. It is sometimes necessary to drive significant distances (100-200 miles) to reach these facilities.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates have experience as technicians, instructors, inspectors, mechanics, computer specialists, engineers or telecommunications specialists. We also look for practical knowledge of electronic theory and a variety of power systems. A keen understanding of math, electronics and computer principles is also important. The Technical Operations Collegiate Training Initiative (TO-CTI) Program was created to hire electronic engineering students from colleges and trade schools with FAA-approved curriculum. Applicants may use a combination of approved education and relevant work experience to qualify.

As an electronics technician with FAA, you will install and maintain electronic equipment and lighting aids for aviation navigation facilities and services to ensure a reliable, safe and smooth flow of air traffic. Learn more about Electronic Technicians positions.

Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI)

FAA employs aviation safety inspectors in a variety of roles, each with a specialized area of responsibility. The main ASI roles are operations, airworthiness, avionics and maintenance safety. The responsibilities and qualifications for each are based whether you will be working with air carriers, general or military aviation. In any of the ASI positions, you will need to have broad knowledge of the aviation industry; understand general principles of aviation safety, and Federal laws, regulations and policies affecting aviation; and have in-depth technical knowledge and skill in aircraft operation and maintenance.

Operations Inspectors

As an air carrier or general aviation operations inspector, you will evaluate airmen, their training programs, equipment and facilities; and investigate incidents/accidents involving both general and air carrier industries which violate Federal Aviation Regulations. Knowledge and skills typically acquired as airmen (pilots, navigators, flight instructors, etc.) are used to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the operation of aircraft. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Examining airmen for initial certification and continuing competence.
• Evaluating airmen training programs, equipment and facilities.
• Evaluating the operational aspect of safety programs for air carriers and similar commercial and general aviation operations with regard to adequacy of facilities, equipment, procedures and overall management.
• Various other inspections, investigations and advisory duties.

Airworthiness Inspectors

As an airworthiness inspector (avionics or maintenance), you will develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the airworthiness and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment. You will apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as a repairman of aircraft, aircraft parts or avionics equipment, to the following assignments:

• Evaluating mechanics and repair facilities for initial certification and continuing adequacy.
• Evaluating the mechanics' training program.
• Inspecting aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness.
• Evaluating the maintenance aspects of air carrier programs and similar commercial operations which may include the adequacy of maintenance facilities, equipment and procedures; competence of employees; adequacy of the program or schedule for periodic maintenance and overhauls; and airworthiness of the aircraft.
• Various other inspections, investigations and advisory duties.

Avionics Inspectors

As an avionics inspector, you will be responsible for evaluating avionics technicians and applicable training programs and repair facilities. You'll investigate violations involving incidents/accidents violating FAA regulations, including general aviation and air carrier industries, as well as inspect aircraft and all related equipment.

Maintenance Inspectors

Our maintenance inspectors evaluate aviation mechanics, their facilities and training programs as well as inspect aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness. You will investigate incidents/accidents involving both general and air carrier industries which violate Federal Aviation Regulations.