The procedures air traffic controllers must follow are constantly changing. Stay up to date on these changes is necessary since all of them relate to keeping aircraft, passengers and employees safe.

Keeping up to date on this information can be a full time job in itself. Consider the following suggestions to help you stay up to date on all the latest air traffic control news and trends:

1. Check for air traffic control news on government and organizational websites.

2. Read newspaper articles about air traffic control problems and solutions.

3. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of other air traffic controllers by reading blogs.

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Find air traffic control information by checking websites

When new laws come into effect or if changes in procedures are implemented, air traffic control organizations usually update the information before other websites. Most official websites offer updates via email. Consider subscribing to the emails. If you find that you don't like the information in them or if you don't like them, you can always unsubscribe.

I recommend: You can find up to date information about ATC on the Federal Aviation Administration website. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association offers safety updates and other information about issues that are of importance to air traffic management facilities.

Look for online air traffic control information

Many newspapers have online issues that contain information about air traffic control regulations. Some of the websites simply offer stories about air traffic control centers. Reading these articles can give you ideas about how to deal with certain situations and how to avoid making serious mistakes.

I recommend: The New York Times website offers numerous articles about ATC information. Aviation Today offers an RSS feed to help you stay up to date with the latest news concerning air traffic control technology.

Read blogs written by air traffic controllers

Sometimes, such as after a hard day, you may be interested in reading about the lives of other air traffic controllers. Finding air traffic control blogs gives you a glimpse into the lives of other ATC employees. These blogs give you tips and anecdotes that can help you make it through the day without getting too stressed out.

I recommend: WordPress.com offers numerous blogs about aviation, including blogs that keep up with the latest air traffic control news and trends, some of which are maintained by air traffic controllers. Air Traffic Soup is a blog maintained by an air traffic control specialist.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Airports and private air traffic control companies are responsible for keeping an up to date copy of their own air traffic control statistics. If you want to know the statistics concerning a specific airport or center, ask the airport or center for the information.

Air traffic control (ATC), is the control center that directs aircrafts by separating them by laterally, vertically, and longitudinally. Your air traffic control specialist is looking to ensure your safety and provide you orderly, time efficient air travel. They do this for you by relaying information to your pilot such as weather and navigation information. The only time your pilot is allowed to deviate from the air traffic control specialist is in case of emergency.

Air traffic controllers reside in the control tower, which is a tall, windowed structure on airport property. Most air traffic controllers use radar, and some use Secondary Surveillance Radar to monitor arrivals and departures. Secondary Surveillance Radar helps air traffic management by mapping the area, the position of the planes, and data tags including the aircraft identification, its speed and its heading.

To find out more about Air Traffic Control and private Air Traffic Control:

1. Look at the history of ATC.

2. Find out about careers in Air Traffic Control and private Air Traffic Control.

3. Look at ATC industry organizations.

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Think about a career as an air traffic control specialist

Air traffic management can be a lucrative and rewarding. In May 2006, the average salary for an air traffic controller was $122,220.

I recommend: Check out the FAA's video on what it's like to be an air traffic controller. You can also check out more information on ATC from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Find out more about the ATC Industry and jump into the action

Look into the future of ATC, or find out about industry organizations. You can also monitor live ATC feeds through the Internet.

I recommend: The government's Joint Planning and Development Office is making NextGen satellite based tracking system, the air traffic control technology of the future. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association gives you a glimpse at current issues, air traffic control statistics, as well as additional career information. Check out live ATC feeds at LiveATC.net, and you can see and hear Atlanta info at ATCMonitor.com.

Check out other ATC software

Train your staff or students like a pro with the latest in Air Traffic Control software and simulation.

I recommend: Try the Xavius ATC System, or look into Lockheed Martin's air traffic control simulation, training, testing and evaluation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Nearly all ATC specialists are employees of the government. Jobs open up as replacements are needed.

Air Traffic Control Education and Training is a tough field to break into. You have to complete a four year degree, you have to hold US citizenship, be less than 30 at the time of your hiring and successfully complete an FAA aptitude test. You also have to pass an FAA physical exam, drug test, and intensive security and background checks. Once you have been accepted by the FAA, you then have to complete their training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City as a paid employee of the FAA. The training is 12 to 15 weeks, depending on the specialty chosen. Starting salary is approximately $25,000/year with maximum salaries eventually exceeding $90,000 depending on area.

After ATC training, you can be employed by the federal government or go on to work for private air traffic control companies that provide service to non-FAA towers. Military air traffic controllers is another career path if you choose to join the armed services.

When considering a air traffic school:

1. Consider the distance from home.

2. Look at tuition costs.

3. Compare air traffic controller education curriculums and successful placement rates.

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Find out more about the field of air traffic controller training

Before you jump into the task of finding a air traffic school, find out more about the career requirements, salary and process of air traffic controller training.

I recommend: Look at the requirements, salary information and additional information on air traffic controller school programs at collegeboard.com, Inc. Check out the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics information on ATC education. Check out additional career information at CollegeGrad.com and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Use an air traffic school search engine or directory

Use an industry specific air traffic school search engine or directory for an easier air traffic control school hunt.

I recommend: Look at the aviation schools and programs available at college universities at Aviation Schools Online. USCollegeSearch is another directory resource to find an air traffic control degree programs. Check out the list of schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Look at specific ATCtraining at university locations

Most ATC training programs are offered through accredited schools with specific training programs.

I recommend: University of North Dakota Aerospace offers advanced Air Traffic Control training facilities, and their degree program utilizes an Air Traffic Control curriculum designed to graduate students prepared for assignment with the FAA. Purdue's FAA Air Traffic Control Program was created in response to the FAA's projected future air traffic controller needs. At the Dowling College School of Aviation, students are trained on one of the most advanced, realistic air traffic control (ATC) simulators in the world. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is another education option.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Air Traffic Control Education and Training is an education path best decided upon when entering your undergrad education or right out of military duty since the entrance deadline is 30 years old.

Air traffic controllers and the air traffic control industry use a host of terms and acronyms that sound complex and technical. Many of the terms used in the industry do pertain to technical and complex things, but anyone can learn what these terms mean without having to understand the engineering behind some of the technology. By understanding air traffic control key terms, you'll be able to talk like a professional in the industry.

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Operational error

An operational error means that two planes in flight have gotten too close together.

I recommend: For more information, visit The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which explains operational errors in greater detail. It also has statistics detailing how often operational errors occur.

Airport surface detection equipment

Airport surface detection equipment is a type of radar that you can find in use at airports. It looks like a white disc and updates every second.

I recommend: ATCMonitor.com explains airport surface detection equipment in depth. It also discusses other types of radar.

Traffic control avoidance system, TCAS

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is one type of air traffic control system that helps prevent mid-air collisions by monitoring flight status.

I recommend: On its website, the Federal Aviation Administration, most often referred to as the FAA, provides information about the different types of air traffic control systems. Its description includes detailed definitions of the two types of TCAS.

Runway incursion

A runway incursion takes place when planes that are taking off, landing or taxiing don't stay far enough apart and pose a safety hazard. Previously, two definitions of runway incursions existed, one from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and one from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

I recommend: Professional Pilot News offers a look at the term runway incursion and provides information on the FAA adopting the same definition as the ICAO.

Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)

Land and hold short operations, also called LAHSO, are procedures used by air traffic controllers when they're using two runways that intersect. You may find it helpful to refer to a diagram when you want more information on LAHSO.

I recommend: Find an online booklet, complete with diagrams, at Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). This website provides information explaining how land and hold short operations work.

Position and hold

Position and hold is another type of procedure air traffic controllers use to keep planes separated by a safe distance.

I recommend: To learn more about this key term, visit the Student Flying Club, which explains how position and hold works.