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.

According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, approximately 87,000 planes are in the skies above the United States each day. All of these flights are coordinated by an air traffic control specialist. If this a career you're interested in and you're looking for a position in commercial or private air traffic control, you'll need the right education and training to become an ATC.

To start your career in air traffic control, you'll need a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Air traffic control training can also be found through the armed services. Finally, ATC internships at air traffic control centers are invaluable when it comes to air traffic control education and training.

1. Earn a degree to start off your air traffic control education and training.
2. Look to many branches of the Armed Forces for training as an ATC.
3. Sign up for an internship in air traffic control.
   

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Fulfill the first requirement in becoming an air traffic control specialist

A four-year degree from a college or university is necessary to become a private air traffic control specialist. Some colleges have an aviation program offering four-year degrees in air traffic control or management as well as courses in air traffic control technology. Obtaining such a degree should be your first step in air traffic control education and training.

I recommend: The four-year Air Traffic Management program at Middle Georgia College is highly ranked by the FAA and uses state-of-the-art equipment, including one of only two college air traffic control facilities operating in the U.S. The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology with an emphasis on Air Traffic Control, a program emphasizing individual attention in air traffic control labs.

Enlist in the Armed Forces to receive air traffic control education and training

You might choose to pursue a career as an air traffic control specialist through a branch of the Armed Forces. Training in air traffic control is an option when you enlist in the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force or other areas of the armed services. In most cases, military training will satisfy educational requirements for air traffic controllers.

I recommend: The U.S. Army provides extensive training for potential air traffic controllers, including radar, radio communication, airfield conditions and more. The U.S. Air Force offers an air traffic control apprenticeship program for enlisted members.

Learn from the best air traffic control professionals through an internship program

Hands-on training is perhaps the best way to learn almost any type of job, and that would certainly include air traffic control. Take the opportunity to become an air traffic control specialist intern and learn the ins and outs of the job from seasoned air traffic controllers. Internships provide invaluable ATC information to trainees in the field.

I recommend: The University of Dubuque offers many internships in air traffic control through area airports and commercial airlines including Northwest and American Airlines. Get hands-on training through internships offered by FAA air traffic control towers, airlines and airports through Lewis University.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Upon completion of a four-year collegiate program, air traffic control education and training continues with a three-month course given by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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.