Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers often abbreviated ATC are personnel responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. Usually stationed in air traffic control centers and control towers on the ground, they monitor the position, speed, and altitude of aircraft in their assigned airspace visually and by radar, and give directions to the pilots by radio. The position of air traffic controller is one that requires highly specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. Controllers apply separation rules to keep aircraft at a safe distance from each other in their area of responsibility and move all aircraft safely and efficiently through their assigned sector of airspace, as well as on the ground. Because controllers have an incredibly large responsibility while on duty (often in aviation, "on position") and make countless real-time decisions on a daily basis, the ATC profession is consistently regarded around the world as one of the most mentally challenging careers, and can be notoriously stressful depending on many variables (equipment, configurations, weather, traffic volume, traffic type, human factors, etc.). Many controllers, however, would cite high salaries, and a very large, unique, and privileged degree of autonomy as major advantages of their jobs.
Although the media in the United States frequently refers to them as air controllers, or flight controllers, most air traffic professionals use the term air traffic controllers. They are also called air traffic control officers (ATCOs), air traffic control specialists, or simply controllers. For a more detailed article on the job itself, please see air traffic control.
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Matching Air Traffic Controller Colleges
Green River College
Four or more years; Public; $3,885 average out-state tuition; $3,468 average in-state tuition |
University of North Dakota
Four or more years; Public; $18,546 average out-state tuition; $6,946 average in-state tuition |
Mt San Antonio College
At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $8,680 average out-state tuition; $1,288 average in-state tuition |
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Four or more years; Private not for profit; $33,408 average out-state tuition; $33,408 average in-state tuition |
Lewis University
Four or more years; Private not for profit; $31,100 average out-state tuition; $31,100 average in-state tuition |
Sacramento City College
At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $7,104 average out-state tuition |
Texas State Technical College
At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $10,080 average out-state tuition; $5,123 average in-state tuition |
Scholarships for Air Traffic Controller Majors
Helene Overly Graduate ScholarshipWomen's Transportation Seminar - Puget Sound, WA |
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award $10,000 |
deadline Varies |
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Vorbeck Aviation ScholarshipUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College |
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award $5,000 |
deadline Varies |
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Sporty's Foundation Aviation ScholarshipUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College |
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award Up to $15,000 |
deadline Varies |
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Phillips Aviation ScholarshipUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College |
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award $5,000 |
deadline Varies |
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Molitoris Leadership Scholarship for UndergraduatesWTS International |
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award $5,000 |
deadline Varies |
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Leadership Legacy Scholarship for GraduatesWTS International |
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award $5,000 |
deadline Varies |
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Lea+Elliott Transportation YOU DC Summit ScholarshipWTS International |
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award $5,000 |
deadline Varies |
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Boeing Scholars ProgramEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
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award Up to $7,500 |
deadline Varies |
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Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation ScholarshipNational Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) |
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award $4,500 |
deadline August 13, 2023 |
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Nibs Meldrum Aviation ScholarshipWestminster College, Utah |
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award $3,600 |
deadline Varies |
Air Traffic Controller Related Majors
- Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology
- Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
- Aviation/Airway Management and Operations
- Airline Flight Attendant
- Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer
- Air Transportation
- Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
- Marine Transportation
- Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor
- Transportation and Materials Moving
- Flight Instructor
- Ground Transportation
- Diver, Professional and Instructor
- Commercial Fishing
- Railroad and Railway Transportation
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- Flagging and Traffic Control
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