(AC) Air-Traffic Controller

[NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza]

	Air Traffic Controller	AC
	Air Traffic Controllers (AC) provide air traffic control services in air traffic control towers, radar air traffic control facilities, fleet area control and surveillance facilities, and air operations offices ashore and afloat.  They operate radio communication systems and light signals and direct aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).  In addition, they operate surveillance radar, precision radar, data link approach systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment, and other air traffic control equipment.  They respond to emergency air traffic situations, maintain current flight planning information and reference material, and assist pilots in preparing and processing flight plans.

 

Air - Traffic Controller (AC's) perform duties similar to civilian air traffic controllers and play a key role in the effective use of Naval air power throughout the world in operational and training environments. Navy ACs are responsible for safely and effectively directing aircraft operating from airfields or the decks of aircraft carriers. They also control the movement of aircraft and vehicles on airfield taxiways and issue flight instructions to pilots by radio. Standards for entry into the AC field are high, but once accepted into the field, Navy ACs enjoy a demanding and highly rewarding career. This is a five-year enlistment program.

 

 

Specific duties include:

• controlling and directing air traffic at airfields and on aircraft carriers using radio, radar, and other signaling devices;
• providing aircraft with critical information on other air traffic, navigation systems, and airfield conditions essential to safe operations;
• operating and adjusting computer-based ground/carrier-controlled navigation and radar approach systems;
• interpreting data shown on radar screens and plotting aircraft positions;
• maintaining aeronautical charts and maps.

 

Working Environment

ACs usually work in clean, office-like environments at naval air stations and on-board aircraft carriers. They work closely with others, are closely supervised, and do mostly mental work.

 

Qualifications and Interests

Applicants for the AC rating must be at least 18 years old and must pass a flight physical prior to entering "A" school. The ability to speak clearly is essential in this rating. Applicants must have no speech impediment and be able to clearly speak English. Applicants will be required to pass a Read-Aloud test as part of their flight physical. Applicants must be U.S. citizens eligible for a security clearance and have no history of drug abuse (no waivers permitted). Normal hearing and normal color perception are required. Vision must be better than 20/200 and correctable to 20/20.

Applicants should have an interest in aviation and working with or around aircraft. They should prefer to do detailed work and work as a team member. Applicants should have a good memory and should be able to perform quick mental math calculations. They should be comfortable with computers and with graphical orientations such as on maps or charts.

 

100925-N-6427M-144 ARABIAN SEA (Sept. 25, 2010) Air Traffic Controllers assigned to the carrier air traffic control center aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), keep a close watch on flight operations. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan McLearnon/Released)

 

100921-N-9950J-163 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 21, 2010) Air Traffic Controller Airman Chelsea Pitchford updates information on an aircraft status board in the amphibious air traffic control center aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010, a joint U.S. military exercise in the western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

 https://navydads.ning.com/forum/topics/ac-airtraffic-controller

Navy Learning and Development Roadmap