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6390 Career Guide

Navy

6390: Air Traffic Control Limited Duty Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Air Traffic Control Limited Duty Officer (6390)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6390 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchStable demand

Airport Operations Specialist

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with specific airport software systemsKnowledge of FAA Part 139 regulations

Logistics Manager

$95K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management software proficiencyAPICS certification

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certifications (e.g., IS-100, IS-700)Local emergency management protocols

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6390 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Air Traffic Control Officers constantly assess and prioritize aircraft movements based on real-time factors like weather, emergencies, and traffic volume, making split-second decisions to ensure safety and efficiency.

This ability to rapidly assess and prioritize tasks in dynamic, high-pressure environments translates directly to roles requiring quick decision-making and resource allocation under stress.

Situational Awareness

Air Traffic Controllers must maintain a comprehensive understanding of the airspace, including aircraft positions, weather conditions, and potential hazards, anticipating future events and proactively mitigating risks.

The skill of maintaining a high degree of awareness of the surrounding environment, anticipating potential problems, and proactively taking steps to avoid them is highly valuable in various civilian contexts.

Procedural Compliance

Air Traffic Control relies heavily on strict adherence to established procedures and protocols to guarantee the safety and efficiency of air travel. Controllers must follow these rules meticulously.

Your ingrained understanding of and commitment to following established procedures ensures that tasks are completed accurately and consistently, reducing errors and promoting safety and reliability.

Team Synchronization

Air Traffic Control Officers work closely with other controllers, pilots, and ground personnel, requiring seamless communication and coordination to manage air traffic effectively and prevent conflicts.

Your expertise in coordinating complex activities with multiple stakeholders ensures seamless collaboration and efficient outcomes, even under pressure.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to assess risk, prioritize responses, and maintain situational awareness in high-pressure environments. Your experience coordinating complex operations makes you ideally suited to manage emergency situations, allocate resources effectively, and protect communities.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You're adept at managing complex systems, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and ensuring smooth operations in dynamic environments. As a Logistics Manager, you can leverage these skills to optimize supply chains, manage inventory, and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You're accustomed to managing complex projects with multiple moving parts, strict deadlines, and high stakes. You excel at planning, coordinating, and executing tasks, making you a natural fit for leading projects in various industries.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Traffic Control Officer School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Airspace Management
  • Radar Procedures
  • Non-Radar Procedures
  • Meteorology
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Air Traffic Control Equipment Operation
  • Emergency Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS)70% covered

Differences in FAA regulations, procedures, and equipment compared to military systems; familiarization with civilian airspace structure and traffic management techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Professional Controller (CPC)Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in OperationsProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/SPN-43C Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)Civilian Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
AN/TPX-42A(V)5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Interrogator SystemSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)
NAVSSI (Navigation Sensor System Interface)Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
CVIC (Carrier Air Traffic Control Center)Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)
ILS (Instrument Landing System)Instrument Landing System (ILS)
AN/SPN-46(V) Precision Approach Landing System (PALS)Precision Approach Radar (PAR)
Flight Management System (FMS)Flight Management System (FMS)

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