Specialty Summary. Controls en route and terminal air traffic by use of visual, radar, and non-radar means. Supervises and manages air traffic control (ATC) facilities. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 122200.

Duties and Responsibilities. Controls and regulates en route and terminal air traffic. Initiates and issues ATC clearances, instructions, and advisories to ensure the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic operating under instrument and visual flight rules. Plans, organizes, directs, inspects, and evaluates ATC activities.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: ATC principles and procedures; flight characteristics of aircraft; International Civil Aviation Organization and United States federal and military air directives; use of aeronautical charts, maps, and publications; interpretation, use, and limitations of ATC radar; use of ATC communications systems and navigational aids; and fundamentals of meteorology. United States Air Force certification as an ATC specialist satisfies these requirements. Not a part of the certification requirements, knowledge is also mandatory of principles of organization, purpose, operation, and management of ATC facilities.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in English is desirable.