Do you like being in control? Are you disciplined, tough-minded, meticulous and driven? Did you actually like the John Cusack movie "Pushing Tin"? If so, you should think about becoming an Air Traffic Control Specialist.

Established in 1958 by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, the FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. They operate the world's largest aviation system and are responsible for the safety and certification of aircraft and pilots, for the around-the-clock operation of our nation's air traffic control system, and for the regulation of U.S. commercial space transportation.

It takes some work to get there, but the FAA will give you the training and support you need for a great career. One of the few government jobs that has a defined training program, you will work with other FAA controllers and expert staff dedicated to keeping our skies safe. They teach you how to play (and win) the giant video game that is air traffic control.

If you are a U.S. citizen, there are three ways to become an air traffic controller:

• Path 1: You have prior experience as an air traffic controller
• Path 2: You have no prior air traffic control experience
• Path 3: You want to enroll in an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program

Path 1: The FAA values and hires men and women who already have air traffic control experience. They hire three types of experienced controllers:

• Veterans with military air traffic control experience
• Retired military controllers
• Current and prior civilian air traffic controllers

At a minimum, experienced controllers must have: 52 consecutive weeks of air traffic control experience in a military or civilian air traffic control facility that shows you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform air traffic controller duties and a comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations

Path 2: If you have no prior air traffic control experience and want to be selected you must:

• Be a United States citizen younger than 31
• Achieve a score of at least 70 on the FAA pre-employment exam
• Three years of general work experience, a four-year degree or any combination of education and experience equaling three years of general experience
• Pass a medical and psychological examination
• Pass a security background investigation
• Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment
• Complete an interview

Path 3:  The FAA has partnerships with many colleges and universities. These schools offer two- and four-year non-engineering degrees that teach basic courses in air traffic control called the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. The program is designed to provide qualified applicants to fill developmental air traffic control specialist positions.

The FAA will give you the training and encouragement you need to keep our air traffic system running smoothly. Qualification is challenging, but the support and satisfaction you will receive make this career worthwhile.

If this sounds like you, then help the FAA remain as the world leader in aviation and apply through www.usajobs.com.