In addition to a certificate, each civilian air traffic control specialist must possess or obtain a rating for the facility to which he or she is assigned. This facility rating requires demonstrating knowledge of the kind and location of radio aids to air navigation, the terrain, the landmarks, the communications systems and circuits, and the procedures peculiar to the area covered by the facility. All required certificates and ratings must be obtained, if not already held, within time limits established by the agency management. The regulations are available on the FedWorld web site . Obtaining Employment as a Civilian Air Traffic Controller Because of the wide variation in air traffic control duties and ratings, if you are a military controller seeking civilian employment you should first consult the FAA jobs web site for current job openings, or call the region where you want to live to see if that region is accepting applications.
Some announcements are open only to military controllers.
The announcement will also specify the duties of the position and how to document your experience and education in order to meet the eligibility requirements. A four year college degree can be substituted for the general experience requirement. Air traffic control specialists are required to requalify in a physical examination given annually. Written Test and Interview - Applicants must also pass a comprehensive written test and complete a personal interview during which alertness, decisiveness, diction, poise and conciseness of speech are evaluated. Because studies show that the unique skills necessary for success as a controller diminish with age, a maximum age of 30 has been established for entry into an FAA tower or center controller position.