How do I become an air traffic controller with no experience?

Minimum Requirements

1. Be a United States citizen.
2. Be age 30 or under (on the closing date of the application period)
3. Pass a medical examination.
4. Pass a security investigation.
5. Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment test.
6. Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment.

Does the FAA check criminal records?

The FAA conducts a criminal background check on pilots before they are hired. However, it admits to not having enough resources to conduct regular criminal background checks on licensed pilots after they are hired. Instead, it relies on medical disclosure forms that pilots must fill out each year.

How much do entry level air traffic controllers make?

Salary: Pay starts at about $64,000 annually and can increase to about $145,000 depending on experience. Those being trained to receive their air traffic controller licence are paid about $35,000 annually.

Who makes more pilots or air traffic controllers?

Most pilots work for scheduled air transportation, such as passenger airlines. They also earn their highest pay there, averaging $130,410 yearly in 2012. Most air traffic controllers work for the federal government, where in 2012 they made their best salaries at a mean $121,470. Salaries averaged $142,020.

How many hours do air traffic controllers work?

Controllers typically work five eight-hour shifts per week, according to the FAA. Shifts vary, but might include a couple of day shifts, followed by a swing shift and a night shift.

What are FAA disqualifying crimes?

PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition. Treason or conspiracy to commit treason. A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. 2332b(g), or comparable State law, or conspiracy to commit such crime.

Can a felon work for the FAA?

No person with a felony will be disqualified by the FAA because of a felony with the exception of drug- and alcohol-related convictions. To become an air traffic controller, a person must be “of good moral standing.” Felons must provide detailed information regarding their felony, including: Type of offense.

Is ATC a stressful job?

In high levels of traffic, bad weather, or emergencies, it can indeed be stressful, but controllers are highly trained to deal with these types of situations. Not only are they trained at the start of their career, but they are given continuous training to keep them current and prepared for infrequent scenarios.