The AC Rating
The Air Traffic Controller rating was originally known as an Air Controlman, established in 1948 from the now disestablished ratings of Specialist (Y) (Control Tower Operators), Radarman, Specialist (X) (Air Station Operations Desk (Time Shack), Specialist (X) (Operations--Plotting and Chart Work), and Specialist (V) (Transport Airmen).
Navy Air Traffic Controllers (AC) perform duties similar to civilian air traffic controllers. Navy ACs are responsible for safely and effectively directing aircraft operating from airfields or the flight decks of aircraft carriers.
Standards for entry into the AC field are high, but once accepted into the field, Navy ACs enjoy a demanding and highly rewarding career. The AC rating requires a minimum of a five-year (60 month) enlistment obligation.
Air Traffic Controller - (AC)
Air Traffic Controllers play a key role in the effective use of Naval airpower throughout the world in operational and training environments. They also control the movement of aircraft and vehicles on airfield taxiways and issue flight instructions to pilots by radio.
Air Traffic Controllers provide air traffic control services in air traffic control towers, radar air traffic control facilities, fleet area control and surveillance facilities, and air operations offices ashore and afloat. They operate radio communication systems and light signals, and direct aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
ACs operate surveillance radar, precision radar, data link approach systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment and other air traffic control equipment. They respond to emergency air traffic situations.
Navy Air Traffic Controllers also maintain current flight planning information and reference material, and assist the pilots in preparation and processing flight plans.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Applicants for the AC rating must be at least 18 years old and must pass a flight physical prior to entering "A" school. The ability to speak clearly is essential in this rating. Applicants must have no speech impediment and be able to clearly speak English. Applicants will be required to pass a Read-Aloud test as part of their flight physical. Applicants must be U.S. citizens eligible for a security clearance and have no history of drug abuse (no waivers permitted).
Normal hearing and normal color perception are required. Vision must be better than 20/200 and correctable to 20/20. Applicants should have an interest in aviation and working with or around aircraft. They should prefer to do detailed work and work as a team member. Applicants should have a good memory and should be able to perform quick mental math calculations. They should be comfortable with computers and with graphical orientations such as on maps or charts.
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. The AC ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate or lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on air traffic control and management, and federal aviation regulations.