Air traffic controlling is a very competitive, lucrative and rewarding jobs out there. Currently controller jobs are in high demand, and provide excellent job security. Over the next decade and more this industry will continue to grow. If you are thinking about the possibility of a career as an air traffic controller you will definitely want to know about all the air traffic controller requirements.

Air Traffic Controller Age Requirements

Because air traffic controllers are responsible for the lives of thousands of people from day to day it is important for controllers to be in tip top condition mentally and physically. When applying to become a controller you should be less than 31 years of age. The reason for this particular age requirement is that typically after the age of 30 our body’s physical composition begins to break down, our senses, reaction times and so forth starts to decline. If you are not in tip top physical condition, and suffer from diabetes, hypertension, or other disabilities becoming an air traffic controller may not be the best career choice for you. Air traffic controlling requires your utmost concentration, can be very stressful, and will definitely test you mentally and physically on a daily basis.

Air Traffic Controller Requirements – No Prior Experience

The requirements vary for becoming an air traffic controller depending on whether or not you have previous experience. There are 3 paths for becoming an air traffic controller, and depending on which path you take the requirements will differ. For me details about the 3 different paths read my page on How to Become an Air Traffic Controller.

If you do not have any prior experience and you are looking to become an air traffic controller then here are some of the requirements you will have to meet.

• Must be a United States citizen
• In most situations not have reached the age of 31 years old
• Must pass a medical evaluation
• Must pass a security background clearance check
• Must have 3 years of progressively increasing work experience and/or a full 4 year course of studies which has lead to a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of the two
• Must acquire a score of no less than 70 on the Federal Aviation Administration per-employment examination
• Must speak English at a level where you can be easily understood over communications devices and equipment
• Must pass and interview

You will also have to pass strict security clearance requirements on your way to becoming an air traffic controller. The Federal Aviation Administration needs to be certain that those individuals who are controlling our airspace are of the highest moral character. Individuals with criminal records, or dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces will most likely not be eligible. Applicants supplying false information or have affiliations with known suspect coalitions will also have trouble passing the background and security check. The security clearance and background check are very thorough, so if you have any reason to suspect that something could be a problem, be sure to give full disclosure from the start, so that you are not disappointed down the road when you come find that you are not eligible because of something stemming from your past or present life situation.

Air traffic controllers are are reliable individuals, who are able to remain level headed in stressful situations. For their efforts controllers are compensated well in terms of their air traffic controller salary, benefits and retirement. Each day air traffic controllers keep our skies safe, and ensure the safety of thousands of air travelers. With this being said I’m sure you can now understand why the air traffic controller requirements are as regulated as they are.