Guide to Air Traffic Control

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.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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.

The official source of Air Traffic Control is the Air Traffic Control page at Business.com