LAX Air Traffic Control Tower ยป Air Traffic Controller Schools
The amount of air travel has steadily increased over the decades resulting in heavy traffic at the major airports. Thus, the need for air traffic control.
Air traffic controllers direct the traffic of all types of aircraft in and around the airport. They use radar and radio communication to handle the traffic effectively. Many schools provide courses for air traffic controllers. At these schools they can learn how to read traffic instruments, flight plans, and weather conditions. They also get hands on experience.
The schools provide either 2 year associate or bachelor's degree programs. Students are taught, all about airways systems, FAA rules, and the use of controller equipment. Many periodic tests and assessments are done throughout the course to check the students understanding and progress. These include problem solving skills and the ability to handle different situations that may occur.
The FAA provides almost 5 months of intense training at its academy for students which meet stringent admission requirements. Prior to employment as traffic controllers the students are sent for several months of on the job experience to further increase their knowledge.