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7397 Career Guide

Navy

7397: Air Traffic Control Technician

Career transition guide for Navy Air Traffic Control Technician (7397)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7397 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchStable demand

Aviation Maintenance Technician

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)Certified Electronics Technician (CET) certification

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

$65K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certificationKnowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100)

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cabling certificationSpecific equipment training (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7397 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Air Traffic Control Technicians constantly evaluate and re-evaluate the urgency of aircraft movements and potential conflicts to ensure safety and efficiency in the airspace.

This translates to the ability to quickly assess the importance of tasks and make decisions under pressure, a valuable asset in fast-paced civilian environments.

Situational Awareness

These technicians maintain a comprehensive understanding of the airspace, including aircraft positions, weather conditions, and potential hazards, to proactively manage air traffic flow.

This skill allows you to quickly grasp complex environments, anticipate potential problems, and maintain oversight of multifaceted operations, crucial for effective decision-making and risk mitigation.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to strict regulations and protocols is paramount in air traffic control to prevent errors and ensure the safety of all aircraft and personnel.

Your dedication to following established procedures and maintaining high standards is highly transferable to roles requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to guidelines.

Team Synchronization

Air Traffic Control Technicians work in close coordination with air traffic controllers, pilots, and other personnel to ensure seamless and safe air traffic operations.

This demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, communicate clearly, and synchronize efforts towards a common goal.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 49-3042

You've been managing complex air traffic scenarios, ensuring smooth operations and preventing conflicts. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll apply your skills in planning, coordinating, and executing the movement of goods and materials, ensuring timely and efficient delivery.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

You're adept at maintaining situational awareness and prioritizing actions under pressure. This makes you well-suited to prepare for and respond to emergencies, coordinating resources, and ensuring public safety.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021

You've demonstrated the ability to oversee air traffic flow, adhere to strict procedures, and coordinate with diverse teams. As a Project Manager, you'll leverage these skills to plan, execute, and control projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in Aviation Management

Topics Covered

  • Airspace Management
  • Radar Procedures
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation
  • Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Communication Techniques
  • Air Traffic Control Systems Operation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Controller (CPC)60% covered

Requires study of FAA regulations and procedures specific to civilian air traffic control environments. Differences in equipment and phraseology also need to be addressed.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

Requires familiarization with business aviation management principles, financial management, and marketing specific to civilian aviation operations.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Air Traffic Controller Certification (if seeking to work as a controller in the FAA system)Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - 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 RadarAirport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
AN/SPN-46(V) Precision Approach RadarPrecision Approach Radar (PAR) systems
Naval Air Traffic Control and Landing System (NATCALS)Integrated Air Traffic Control Systems
AN/TPX-42A(V)5A Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)
Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)
Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS)Category III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)

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