Making the Most of Air Traffic Control Education and Training

Take your air traffic controller education to the highest level

By George Angus, Owner, Tumblemoose Productions

Now that you've made the important decision to attend an air traffic controller training program, you owe it to yourself to make the most of air traffic school. Air traffic controller education is serious business and by making the most of your air traffic control education and training, you are setting yourself up for a rewarding career.

Making the most of air traffic control education and training means giving a little more than just being a student and showing up. To help in your studies consider the following:

1. Find several like-minded motivated students at your air traffic school and develop a serious study group. Watch to make sure it doesn't turn into a social group.

2. Have a study plan and stick to it.

3. Prioritize as many other aspects of your life as possible to minimize interference to your study time.

Buy ATC training simulator software

One of the best ways to practice the skills you are learning in your air traffic control course is to choose and use ATC simulator software. Further your air traffic control education through the use of simulator software and the results will become readily apparent.
Try: A web based simulator at ATC-Sim.com is quick and easy. You'll be directing traffic in mere moments. ATC Simulator2 from Aerostudios is a full feature PC based simulator program that will put you in the driver's seat of directing air traffic.

Join an air traffic control school forum

Forums are wonderful communities to connect with others who have the same interests. Often times questions are answered that fall in line with questions you may have about training or the air traffic control environment.
Try: A very well designed forum for ATC enthusiasts, workers and students can be found at Stuck Mic. With over 3000 registered users, Xavius ATC Systems forum page should be able to handle any question or comment you may have about ATC education.

Buy ATC training exam prep books

It's never too early to start preparing for the all important FAA ATC Examination. Exam preparation books get you in the proper mindset to do well on your exams. They are also excellent for becoming familiar with the type and style of questions typically found on an FAA examination.
Try: The Air Traffic Control Test Prep Study guide by ASA is available from BooneSky Aviation and is a standard in the aviation industry. ATC-SAT has a comprehensive base of on line FAA test prep questions.

Find the right air traffic control degree program

There are a number of excellent facilities around the country that offer FAA approved ATC training. The FAA approved Colleges are all part of the College Training Initiative (CTI). All of the CTI colleges have passed rigorous standards to meet the specific criteria set out by the FAA.
Try: The University of Alaska Anchorage ranks number three of all the CTI colleges. The program at Purdue University in Indianapolis is also well respected.

The air traffic control world is loaded with terminology and acronyms. Write out common terms and abbreviations on index cards and bind them with a large key ring. Keep the cards in your car or backpack to take them wherever you go. Whenever you have a free moment, pull them out and brush up on the all important terms used in air traffic control.