Thread: Air Traffic Controllers

I picked #1- maybe not at full pay, but the fact that they are working rotating shifts means there bodies are not able to fully adjust- and science says giving them an opportunity for a short "power nap" during their shift means they would be much better able to be alert and awake at the proper time. I'd give a half-pay 2 hour nap break within the midnight shift. It would be safer for all.

They should probably be staffed more heavily, have regular shifts (8 on, 16 off) that are bid by seniority with a support schedule of Sick and Annual ATC's. Give them the bodies they need to do the job safely, pay them fairly, and then if someone is sleeping on duty, discipline them accordingly.

Given how high the stakes are regarding safety, the expense of a few hundred more ATCs would be well worth the cost.

Let me give you an a retired ATC perspective. We were required to work 2 hours or more each time between breaks. We were not allowed a radio or anything to help us focus during slow times. When you work a position that is slow with not much to do it is very hard to focus. I worked many a time with no airplanes for long periods up to an hour or more.. It is impossible to to stay focused.these guys on the mid shift probably had no airplanes for 2 or more hours. It was the middle of the night, dark, the low hum of the equipment and you cannot have a radio a book or a samuel Jackson movie to help keep you awake. I dare anyone to try that at home from 11 pm till 7 am and not dose off. They didn't even have anyone to talk to.

People who don't know what they are talking about should just keep quiet. These are the best folks in the world and do a great job.

Management is to blame IMO. Stupid work rules!,,

That's why they get the BIG-BUCKS...To stay awake..no excuses!

Sleeping at your post in the military is grounds for a firing squad.



Average Air Traffic Controller Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Services, the average air traffic controller salary in 2009 was around USD 110,000 (annually). The salary is co-related to the rating of the facility in which the controller works. Salary for an air traffic controller varies from USD 45,000 to USD 161,000. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are the pay masters, they pay a relatively higher salary than the others and can retire after only 20 years with full benifits. The FAA pays between $45,000 to $161,000 while the US Army, Navy and the Air Force pay anything between $20,000 to $50,000.

Industry Salary;

FAA 45,000 USD to 161,000 USD

US Air Force 22,000 USD to 47,000 USD

US Navy 24,000 USD to 47,000 USD

US Army 21,000 USD to 45,000 USD

Dep. of Defense 54,000 USD to 85,000 USD

Salary for an air traffic controller also depends on the number of years of experience he/she has, and also on the type and level of degree they hold. It also varies from the different positions within an air traffic controller job. Some of these positions are the arrival controller, departure controller, ground controller and radar controller.

PS:..There are a lot of dedicated harworking Controllers doing a great job..no argument there.

#1. The military would not assign a person to be alone overnight.

#2. Your salaries relating to military controllers fail to include BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsitance), BAQ (Basic Allowance for Quarters) and a multitude of other military specific financial benefits. And, when deployed, the pay is tax-free in a war zone. Military also includes a 20-and-out retirement program that civilian controllers don't get.

It's true that military pays controllers less cash overall than FAA does. But there are also other variables to take into account.

Plus, the military allows you to play with fully automatic weapons and explosives while on duty. The FAA does not.

That, in itself, has a significant value.



Life isn't just about the money, you know.

Originally Posted by James48843

#1. The military would not assign a person to be alone overnight.

You don't know that..sentry duty is all by your lonesome in most cases...I've been there...You don't get to read a book or play games on your Ipod or Iphone either..

#2. Your salaries relating to military controllers fail to include BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsitance), BAQ (Basic Allowance for Quarters) and a multitude of other military specific financial benefits. And, whenLife isn't just about the money, you know.

What world do you live in?..Oh that's right you live close to Canada.. it is about the money or most wouldn't do it..otherwise there wouldn't have been a big uproar last week about possible pay losses....BTW..single military don't get none of those BAQ's or Comrats allowances, They get a thing called BARRACKS and chow halls.... Jim..I was in the military while you were still popping pimples on your face and growing pubic hair.

If your life begins and ends with the money, hey, I feel for you.


Yes, I live near the Canadian border-where we enjoy far more things in life than just the money. We also enjoy the finer things in life.

Our Canadian Neighbors- Bob and Doug.

Originally Posted by Buster

That's why they get the BIG-BUCKS...To stay awake..no excuses!

Sleeping at your post in the military is grounds for a firing squad.



Average Air Traffic Controller Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Services, the average air traffic controller salary in 2009 was around USD 110,000 (annually). The salary is co-related to the rating of the facility in which the controller works. Salary for an air traffic controller varies from USD 45,000 to USD 161,000. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are the pay masters, they pay a relatively higher salary than the others and can retire after only 20 years with full benifits. The FAA pays between $45,000 to $161,000 while the US Army, Navy and the Air Force pay anything between $20,000 to $50,000.

Industry Salary;

FAA 45,000 USD to 161,000 USD

US Air Force 22,000 USD to 47,000 USD

US Navy 24,000 USD to 47,000 USD

US Army 21,000 USD to 45,000 USD

Dep. of Defense 54,000 USD to 85,000 USD

Salary for an air traffic controller also depends on the number of years of experience he/she has, and also on the type and level of degree they hold. It also varies from the different positions within an air traffic controller job. Some of these positions are the arrival controller, departure controller, ground controller and radar controller.

PS:..There are a lot of dedicated harworking Controllers doing a great job..no argument there.

I was not excusing it, I am just giving you some perspective.

Until you walk in those shoes you don't know!

As usual, people not in the know (the public, news agencies, etc.) try to make judgements without all the facts. We have had a bad management for years and they make up stupid rules that contribute to the problem. A lot of them haven't worked an airplane in so long they forget how it was.

Also, the pay issue again? Really? Give me a break!

I would believe this is the best description of what is really going on that I have seen. Breaks are not the answer, manpower is.

Originally Posted by clester

Let me give you an a retired ATC perspective. We were required to work 2 hours or more each time between breaks. We were not allowed a radio or anything to help us focus during slow times. When you work a position that is slow with not much to do it is very hard to focus. I worked many a time with no airplanes for long periods up to an hour or more.. It is impossible to to stay focused.these guys on the mid shift probably had no airplanes for 2 or more hours. It was the middle of the night, dark, the low hum of the equipment and you cannot have a radio a book or a samuel Jackson movie to help keep you awake. I dare anyone to try that at home from 11 pm till 7 am and not dose off. They didn't even have anyone to talk to.

People who don't know what they are talking about should just keep quiet. These are the best folks in the world and do a great job.

Management is to blame IMO. Stupid work rules!,,