An Examination of the Success Rates of Developmental Air Traffic Controllers Transferring to Lower-Level Facilities

Abstract

An assessment was completed of training outcomes for air traffic control (ATC) trainees allowed to transfer from their first, higher-level ATC facility to a less complex lower-level ATC facility. Transfers followed failure in field qualification training at the first facility. We found that training outcomes at the second facility were related to the types and complexity levels of the ATC facilities involved. Trainees succeeded significantly more often if transferred to small or medium towers than if transferred to a facility that combined tower and radar. We considered an inability of trainees to acquire radar skills to separate air traffic and age as contributing factors and suggested that additional research examining age upon entry and training success at facilities of varying complexity should be undertaken. This effort supports a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strategic priority to build the workforce of the future by retaining trainees capable of controlling air traffic.