How do I become an air traffic controller?

I graduated from high school almost 2 years ago and Im looking to become an air traffic controller and I dont know where to start.How do I become an air traffic controller?
From the FAA's web site: http://www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunitie鈥?/a>How do I become an air traffic controller?
So You Want to be an Air Traffic Controller?


http://www.thetracon.com/atcjobs.htm





Featured Air Traffic Controller Schools


http://www.aviationschoolsonline.com/jfs鈥?/a>





Main Characteristics


Occupations in this group are characterized by the following aptitudes, interests and worker functions as they relate to main duties:





General learning ability to control flow of air traffic within assigned airspace





Verbal ability to relay meteorological, navigational and other information to pilots in flight, to alert airport emergency services when aircraft are experiencing difficulties and to report missing aircraft to search-and-rescue services





Numerical ability to calculate course, speed, distance, fuel and endurance problems, changes in arrival and departure times, and allowable take-off and landing weights





Spatial perception to visualize constantly changing air-traffic situations





Form perception to co-ordinate movements of planes and to use instruments such as radar monitors and other visual references





Clerical perception to receive and log radio messages, to keep records and to detect errors in schedules and tabulations





Objective interest in controlling flow of air traffic using radar monitors, radios and other communication equipment and visual references





Methodical interest in co-ordinating information to maintain radio and telephone contact with control towers, terminal control units and other area control centers





Directive interest in speaking with pilots to issue take-off and landing instructions; and in directing activities of all moving aircraft and service vehicles on and near airport runways











How to Enroll at an Air Traffic Control School





Step 1:


Find a school with an aviation technology major. There are 14 schools in the United States that support the Federal Aviation Administration's College Training Institute Initiative. These schools are usually preferred if you want to work for the government.





Step 2:


Make sure you have the grades in high school to attend one of these schools. The curriculum will be tough, and it takes dedication.





Step 3:


Select a school that has a job placement opportunity with the FAA. All 14 Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative schools have a placement program. If you chose another school with an aviation technology degree, check with your advisor or the head of the department to see how you can maximize your job opportunities.





Step 4:


Choose a school close to an airport, so you can land a summer internship to practice your craft and gain valuable experience.








Tips %26amp; Warnings





*After your 4-year education, you will be required to pass an FAA aptitude test and then complete 12 to 15 more weeks of FAA training.





*Air traffic controllers are in demand and can make upwards of $95,000 a year.





*Choose a school with an air traffic control simulation lab for hands-on learning.





*Be prepared for possible high stress levels. As an air traffic control officer, you are responsible for the lives aboard every time a plane takes off or lands.





*You must be a US citizen and less than 30 years old at the time of hiring by the FAA to be an air traffic control officer.





http://www.ehow.com/how_2049397_enroll-a鈥?/a>








Meet other air traffic controller here:





Live ATC


http://www.liveatc.net/





Thirty Thousand Feet


http://www.thirtythousandfeet.com/atc.ht鈥?/a>





Air traffic control simulation


http://www.thirtythousandfeet.com/flight鈥?/a>