AboutChristopher McKenna Expertise I can answer questions about general air traffic control, specific questions about Chicago
Center ATC, legal questions regarding FARs(although they may take some time to research).
Experience I have been an air traffic controller since 1984, at Albany, NY tower, NY Center, and Chicago Center. I have been an attorney since 1992.
Organizations National Air Traffic Controllers Association(NATCA)
Education/Credentials BS, Philosophy, SUNY. JD, Northern Illinois Univ. Various FAA training courses pertaining to air traffic control.
Question Hello :-)
My college professor wants me to do an Interview assignment in which I have to interview a person who has knowledge on the field i am currently interested in pursuing as a career which is Air Traffic Control..So if it is alright with you, please be kind enough to answer these brief questions about that career. It will just take up no more than 15-20 minutes of your time depending on the length of your answers. Your answers are very important to me!
1. What distinguishes this field from other fields in the travel industry?
2.What types of positions are available for one who wants to apply for a career in Air Traffic Control?
3.What are the qualifications required for an entry-level position? (Consider education, skills, abilities, licensing, etc.)
4. What kinds of duties/responsibilities are performed in this field?
5. What is a typical day like at work for an Air Traffic Controller?
6. What type of physical localities are involved: outdoor/indoor environment? Travel? A lot of pressure? Will there be supervision?
7. Do flexible work schedules exist for Air Traffic Controllers?
8. How does compensation/pay compare with people who have an Associates degree vs. A Bachelor's? Any differences?
9. What benefits do you recieve in this particular field?
10.What is the salary range for an average Air Traffic Controller today?
11. What personal qualities are essential for this job?
That's it! I'm sorry if I bombarded you with questions but this is my dream career, i would love to know more about it...and my homework is due tomorrow :-)
Thank you so much for your time and consideration,
Laura
Answer 1. It's a government job, while most others are private sector.
2. There are basically three positions. Tower, center, and flight service.
3. Usually a college degree, or some form of aviation experience. E.G. being a pilot, etc.
4. It's simple: Our mandate as controllers is the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of aircraft.
5. It depends. For a center controller, it involves about 4 to 6 hours of working at a radar scope.
6. Always indoore, and no travel. Some say it's very stressful. There is always supervision, either direct or indirect.
7. Yes, some facilities allow flex schedules.
8. No difference. The pay varies on the complexity and volume of traffic.
9. The same as other federal employees. 13 holidays a year, 13 sick days, health insurance, etc.
10. Generally, 50-102,ooo.
11. The ability to visualize 3 dimensions from a 2 dimension display, and the ability to work accurately under pressure.
