This section is all about PRACTICE! You need to find what works for you, whether that's visualizing the equations, whispering them to yourself, using your fingers, or tapping your body. You will not be able to change your answers. This subtest will have about 8 questions that run about two minutes each. It is important to note that all answers will be positive numbers. Another number will subsequently appear and you will need to identify the difference between this number and the previous one. You will need to use a number pad to identify the difference between the two numbers. This subtest involves a number ranging from 1-9 showing up on the screen for two seconds, followed by another number. It is important to be aware that you will complete the fist four sub-tests then you will need to notify the proctor to administer and set up the last three sections. You can choose to divide that time into six 5 minute breaks or one longer 30 minute break. You have 2 hours and 49 minutes to complete the exam. The FAA wants to ensure that you have what it takes to complete the job. The point of the exam is test your aptitude for being a successful Air Traffic Controller. The test was formerly known as the Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) Exam, which was a lengthier exam. The Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA) Exam is the latest version of the aptitude test required to become an Air Traffic controller. Stay tuned for more 2023 ATSA Exam updates. Make sure you are ready for the exam by reviewing this ATSA Practice Test. Let's take a deeper look into the AT-SA and learn all about the exam and how to excel.įor those who put in their May 2023 OTS bid testing is open for both pool 1 and pool 2 from August 10-September 11. Those with a higher score will have a higher likelihood to land a position. Even though the test is pass/fail you will be given a grade and ranked into bands based on your score. That's important, but I'd say no more important in this job than it is anywhere else.The Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA or ATSA) is one of the biggest hurdles in the Air Traffic Controller recruitment process.

'But you definitely have to take care of yourself.We do have a great responsibility out there to help others, and that is not something that you're necessarily going to get in other places.' 'We can't deny that fact, but that's part of what makes our job so awesome.We deal with human lives, and we impact the safety of others every day, day in and day out,' Barrett says. The other side: 'I'm not naive to the fact that our job isn't a little stressful. The FAA is investigating the issue of controller fatigue following a series of New York Times articles spotlighting understaffing issues that have led 'many controllers to work 10-hour days, six days a week,' per the Times.Reality check: Being an air traffic controller can be a stressful job with sometimes-difficult scheduling that can take a toll on controllers' mental health. 'We're constantly working together for the same goal: to get people from point A to point B safely,' Barrett says.What they're saying: One of the highlights of the gig, Minneapolis approach and departure control supervisor Dawne Barrett tells Axios, is the teamwork involved - not to mention the health benefits and government pension. Those who excel in primary training have better odds of being assigned to a facility of their choosing.Ĭaveat: Many trainees wash out along the way, and there's always the risk of developing a disqualifying medical condition later in life.īetween the lines: The FAA is also looking to boost ATC staffing by working with aviation colleges to rethink the college-to-controller pipeline.Succeed there, and you'll be sent for further on-the-job training at an air traffic control tower or radar facility.How it works: Selected applicants undergo initial training at an FAA facility in Oklahoma City. They also need to be younger than 31 (controllers must retire at 56, so the applicant age rule helps ensure that newbies have a long career).īy the numbers: The agency wants to hire 1,800 controllers this year and 2,000 in 2025.citizenship, English language proficiency, and pass medical, security and other pre-employment tests and checks. Why it matters: Wannabe air traffic controllers don't need a degree - meaning the job may appeal to the many young Americans who are turning to trade and vocational work instead of a college education, as Axios' Erica Pandey reports.ĭriving the news: The FAA's new air traffic controller hiring window is open from April 19-22. The Federal Aviation Administration is looking to hire a new batch of air traffic controllers amid a push to beef up staffing at many of the country's towers and other air traffic control (ATC) facilities.

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