At airports, new controllers begin by supplying pilots with basic flight data and airport information. They then advance to ground controller, then local controller, departure controller, and finally, arrival controller. At an enroute traffic control center, new controllers first deliver printed flight plans to teams, gradually advancing to radar associate controller and then radar controller. Failure to become certified in any position at a facility within a specified time may result in dismissal. Controllers must pass a physical examination each year and a job performance examination twice each year.
Controllers also are subject to drug screening as a condition of continuing employment.
However, there are only limited opportunities for a controller to switch from a position in an enroute center to a tower. Job Outlook Employment of air traffic controllers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Employment growth is not expected to keep pace with growth in the number of aircraft flying because of the introduction of laborsaving air traffic control equipment that should make controllers more productive. Competition for air traffic controller jobs is expected to remain keen because the occupation attracts many more qualified applicants than the small number of job openings stemming from growth of the occupation and replacement needs. Because most of the current work force was hired after the controller's strike during the 1980's, the average age of the current work force is fairly young.