ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Across the nation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking to hire thousands of air traffic controllers. In New Mexico, control towers are looking for staff as well, the FAA says.
“The safety of the U.S. Aviation system is due in large part to our skilled and dedicated air traffic controllers, so hiring and training new controllers is a major priority,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a press release. “We are encouraging anyone interested in a new challenge and rewarding safety career to explore this opportunity.”
Each airport control tower has staffing level standards they try to meet. For example, for enroute flights to Albuquerque, FAA targets having 219 control staff, their latest workforce plan says.
To become a flight controller, you first have to complete training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Then, you will be assigned to a tower or radar facility somewhere in the U.S., so you have to be willing to travel. More info on becoming an air traffic controller, you can go to this link.
