Examine the air traffic control profession

 

Vince Polk

Overview: Vince Polk is an air traffic controller in Atlanta, Georgia. Have students learn about Polk's job and other air traffic control-related positions.

Curriculum connections: Careers

Have students read the CNN Student News article "Career in focus: Air Traffic Controller," and ask the following questions:

1. Who is Vince Polk? How many years has Polk been an air traffic controller? How does inclement weather impact an air controller's job?

ON TV For a video version of this story, please use the CNN Student News' January 31 broadcast on CNN TV (4:30 a.m. ET). Click here  for more information on the show

2. What skills and training do air traffic controllers need to have? Why do you think each air traffic controller monitors a certain amount of air space? Why do you think it is important for air traffic controllers to remain calm in stressful situations?

3. Refer students to the Web sites below to prepare presentations about one of the following nine traffic control-related positions: flight data person, ground controller, local controller, departure controller, central controller, radar associate controller, radar controller, radar hand-off controller and approach controller. After students have presented their findings, ask: How do the air traffic control personnel work together to ensure the safety of airline travel? How do the personal communicate with each other? Do you think it is important for each person to have a specific task? Why or why not?

Extension
Invite an air traffic controller to speak to your class about his/her job.