 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||
Table of Content
General
There are many companies within the United States and abroad that need the skills of an air traffic controller. Most of the companies are seeking military air traffic controllers that have recently separated and have already obtained an air traffic control certification. There hundreds of contract towers throughout the United States and are usually at airports with moderate to light activity; however, there are some contract towers that are even busier than some FAA towers. Some local city governments even employ air traffic controllers to staff the airports within their communities. Other contract companies will employ air traffic controllers overseas. The overseas positions generally pay in the mid 100?s per year. Positions within the U.S. pay $70,000 and below with little to no retirement benefits and expensive health insurance.
Air traffic controllers also need to hold a medical clearance similar to the military. They must obtain an aviation class II physical. This physicals are administered by and Aviation Medical Examiner that has been given the authority by the FAA to issue certificates. If you cannot pass a class II physical you may not work as an air traffic controller. Contract towers have employee's complete physicals on a yearly basis.
Military controllers that are recently separated and awaiting employment by the FAA commonly work as contract tower controllers. Retired military and retired FAA air traffic controllers are also common employees for contract towers. Many contract towers certify newly hired air traffic controllers within 30 days of arriving to the facility.
How do I apply with a Contract Tower?
Applying with the contract tower/local government is similar to any job you would apply for, just send in your resume. Each company oversees certain facilities within the United States and abroad. You can apply to all the companies that have locations you desire.
Most contract towers/local governments have positions available within the United States or abroad. The employer generally wants their candidates to have at least a year of air traffic control experience. On occasion some companies may hire controllers with less experience.
What is the Contract Tower Screening Process Like?
To be eligible to work for a contract tower/local governments in the United States as an air traffic controller, you must hold a Control Tower Operator (CTO) Certificate. Having this certificate means that you are certified to work in a control tower by FAA standards. To be eligible to work for a contract tower company abroad, you may either possess a CTO or have been certified to work in a radar approach control facility.
What is the Training Program Like to Become a Contract Tower Controller?
Contract Tower's generally have a very accelerated training program since they hire employee's that have a lot of prior control tower experience. Most contract tower companies expect the employee to be fully certified within 30 days of employment at the control tower. There are exceptions to this as some contract towers can be very complex and busy. Included in this training program for most contract towers is the Limited Aviation Weather Reporting System Test.
What are the Working Conditions Like for a Contract Tower Controller?
What are the Pay and Benefits of a Contract Tower Controller?
Federal Contract Tower Locations
