What does the typical work day of a Air traffic controller entail?

As an Air Traffic Controller (18 years)... the common answer to that is 'hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror';....LOL, that's a joke..... well...sometimes it's true.





There are a variety of tasks involved in ATC and they vary from where you work (a tower, approach control, a center).





Our main job is the safe and expeditious movement of aircraft.





Yes, it has stressful moments, but overall most controllers love their job.





It mostly on the job training although there are a few schools now offering degrees and most have a program with the FAA for hiring.





Unfortunately the US govt is cutting back on air traffic services, they are also slashing new controllers pay [ so if you're thinking about it as a job, you won't get paid even close to what someone with 6 or more years in has.]





If you live near an airport most towers ( depending on security levels at the time), will give you a tour if you make an appointment.





For more info check out our website:National Air Traffic Controller Association www.natca.orgWhat does the typical work day of a Air traffic controller entail?
knowing how to play high stakes chicken with other peoples lives.What does the typical work day of a Air traffic controller entail?
lots of tums and alcohol
watching a screen to make sure that the dots dont touch...





haha... but in reality, their work is very complex and vaires alot based on where they work... you should do some more independent research or ask more specific queisons...
well, at the airport I work at, The tower guy stays the same, but ground, approach, and departure switch throughout the day to keep from getting bored. If your Ground, or tower, you stare outside all day, and keep your mind in the game, by not screwing around. On a busy day you wont have time to do anything, you key the mic, and talk to one aircraft, while the next is calling in. If your approach/departure, you sit in a dark room, and look at a radar screen. Its a very complex job, and there are sometimes when you just sit there, and do nothing. But that is usually broke up by all out pandimonium.
drinking tea, the times cross-word and flicking elastic bands. Apart from that they stare at a screen and make sure that 2 little dots dont merge into one otherwise they might be looking for alternative employment. Sorry for the stupid answer, its been a very long day and I'm quite bored so someone had to give me 2 points. Thanks for them by the way.