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1C151 Career Guide

Air Force

1C151: Air Traffic Control Apprentice

Career transition guide for Air Force Air Traffic Control Apprentice (1C151)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1C151 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchStable demand

Airfield Operations Specialist

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific airport operations certificationsKnowledge of civilian airfield regulations

Aviation Safety Inspector

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationsCivil aviation regulations expertise

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

HAZMAT trainingFEMA certificationsIncident Command System (ICS) training

Logistics Manager

$92K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management certificationKnowledge of civilian logistics software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1C151 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Air Traffic Controllers must constantly assess and prioritize multiple aircraft movements simultaneously, making split-second decisions to ensure safety and efficiency amidst dynamic conditions.

The ability to quickly assess and prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment translates to effective decision-making and resource allocation in various civilian roles.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of aircraft positions, weather conditions, and potential hazards is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring smooth air traffic flow.

A heightened awareness of your surroundings and the ability to anticipate potential problems allows you to proactively mitigate risks and optimize outcomes in any complex environment.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering strictly to established protocols and regulations is paramount in air traffic control to guarantee safety and prevent errors.

Your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to following procedures ensures consistency, reliability, and adherence to industry standards, valuable in regulated industries.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating effectively with pilots, other controllers, and support staff is vital for maintaining a safe and efficient air traffic system.

Your ability to collaborate seamlessly with others and communicate effectively within a team ensures coordinated efforts and successful project completion.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1081.00

You've been managing complex, real-time air traffic, so coordinating the movement of goods and resources will come naturally to you. Your prioritization skills and attention to detail are perfectly suited for optimizing supply chains.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You're accustomed to high-pressure situations requiring quick thinking and decisive action. Your experience maintaining situational awareness and coordinating responses makes you an ideal candidate for managing disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've been planning, organizing, and directing air traffic control activities, skills that directly translate to managing projects. Your ability to maintain situational awareness and coordinate teams will ensure projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Traffic Control Operations (ATCO) Initial Skills Training, Keesler AFB, MS

720 training hours18 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Aviation Management or Air Traffic Control

Topics Covered

  • Airspace Management
  • Radar Principles and Operation
  • Meteorology and Weather Interpretation
  • Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
  • ATC Phraseology and Communication
  • Aircraft Identification and Performance
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Air Navigation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification70% covered

While military ATC training provides a strong foundation, differences in regulations, procedures, and equipment between military and civilian airspaces require focused study on FAA specific materials and systems. This includes FAA Order JO 7110.65 (Air Traffic Control), FAA Order JO 7110.10 (Flight Services), and the AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual).

Recommended Next Certifications

Advanced Air Traffic Control certifications (e.g., specific radar or procedural endorsements)Aviation Safety Officer certificationAirport Management Professional Accreditation (AMPAP)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)
Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
Precision Approach Radar (PAR)Instrument Landing System (ILS)
Airfield Automation System (FAAS)Air Traffic Management (ATM) Systems
AN/TPN-19 Landing Control CentralMobile Air Traffic Control Tower
Voice Switching and Control System (VSCS)Voice Communication and Control System (VCCS)

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