Tips HR Dept. The controllers use flight plans and keep track of progress of all instrument flights within the center's airspace. She or he transfers control of aircraft on instrument flights to the controller in the adjacent center when the aircraft enters that center's airspace. The controllers also receive control of flights entering his or her area of responsibility from adjacent centers. She or he monitors the time of each aircraft's arrival over navigation fixes and maintains records of flights under his or her control.
Shift work is necessary.
In most areas, work is demanding. Registration numbers on all aircraft under control as well as types, speeds, and altitudes are automatically displayed on the radarscope, but each aircraft must be closely controlled to avoid other aircraft. The starting grade is normally GS-7. Trainees are paid while learning their jobs. The highest grade for an operating professional air traffic control specialist at a center is GS-14.