Navy Air Traffic Controllers (AC) perform duties similar to civilian air traffic controllers and play a key role in the effective use of Naval airpower 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.
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.
A-School (Job School) Information
Pensacola -- 110 caldendar days
Following "A" school, air traffic controllers spend one to two years gaining additional skills through on-the-job training at their first duty station. This consists of additional lab, lecture, and individual training leading to certification at that airfield facility. ACs are stationed in traffic control centers on aircraft carriers or at air traffic control facilities in the United States or overseas.
ASVAB Score Requirement: VE+AR+MK+MC=220 OR VE+MK+MC+CS = 220
Security Clearance Requirement: Secret
Other Requirements
- 20/200 uncorrected vision, correctable to 20/20
- Must have normal color perception
- Must have normal hearing
- Must have no speech impediment
- 60 month enlistment obligation
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be 18 years old upon entry to A-school. No history of drug abuse.
- Persons convicted by Federal/State statutes for drug offense(s) are not eligible.
Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for AC
Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing
Note: Advancement ( promotion ) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).
Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating
AC is a shore-intensive community. Sailors in shore-intensive communities do not have career paths defined by sea shore flow. AC shore tour lengths at particular shore locations are dependent upon the tower classification, and the time frame required to become qualified for tower operations. Sailors in the AC community can expect to serve more than half their careers in operational support sours ashore.
Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command
Air Traffic Controller:
AC's assist in the essential safe, orderly, and speedy flow of air traffic by directing and controlling aircraft under visual (VFR) and instrument (IFR) flight rules. They operate field lighting systems, communicate with aircraft, and furnish pilots with information regarding traffic, navigation, and weather conditions. They operate and adjust GCA (ground-control approach) systems. They interpret targets on radar screens and plot aircraft positions.
Degree Roadmap
