Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas Career Overview

As an Airspace Management Coordinator, you play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of air traffic within designated airspace. Your responsibilities involve a variety of crucial functions that help maintain the orderly flow of air traffic, contributing to both the safety of flights and the overall effectiveness of aviation operations.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Coordination of Air Traffic: You are responsible for coordinating and managing air traffic control activities, working closely with controllers to provide real-time information and assistance. This involves monitoring aircraft movements and implementing strategies to optimize airspace use.

  • Safety Management: You prioritize the safety of all air operations. By analyzing traffic patterns and potential hazards, you make informed decisions to minimize risks while maintaining efficiency.

  • Communication: Effective communication is essential in your role. You liaise with various stakeholders such as air traffic controllers, airlines, and government agencies to ensure that airspace management practices align with operational requirements.

  • Regulatory Compliance: You ensure adherence to federal regulations and standards governing airspace management. Keeping up with updates and changes in regulations is critical for maintaining compliance and enhancing safety protocols.

  • Technology Utilization: You leverage advanced technologies and software tools to gather data, monitor air traffic, and enhance situational awareness. Your ability to analyze this data supports informed decision-making and promotes a responsive air traffic environment.

  • Crisis Management: In the event of emergencies or unusual situations, you must act swiftly to implement contingency plans. Your expertise aids in rapidly assessing scenarios and coordinating responses to minimize disruptions.

Your role is indispensable to the aviation sector, influencing not only day-to-day operations but also long-term strategic planning for airspace utilization. The effectiveness of airspace management directly impacts the experience of passengers and cargo operations across the state and beyond, emphasizing the importance of your contributions to the industry's broader goals.

Airspace Management Coordinator Salary in Arkansas

Annual Median: $91,440
Hourly Median: $43.96

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas

To become an Airspace Management Coordinator, you typically need to complete specific educational qualifications and training. Here are the relevant college degree programs that align with this career path:

  • Air Traffic Controller: This program focuses on the skills and knowledge required to manage air traffic control operations, emphasizing regulations, procedures, and environmental factors related to air traffic management.

  • Air Transportation: This degree covers broad aspects of air transportation management, including flight operations, airport management, and aviation safety, equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

  • Aerospace Physiology and Medicine: This program explores the physiological and medical aspects of aviation, including the effects of flight on the human body, which is critical for ensuring the health and safety of crew members and passengers.

  • Aviation and Airway Management and Operations: This degree emphasizes operational knowledge relevant to aviation management, airway structures, navigation procedures, and communication systems involved in airspace coordination.

  • Operations Management and Supervision: This program provides training in overseeing and coordinating operations within transportation settings, focusing on efficiency, productivity, and quality management in airspace and airport operations.

It is advisable to research any additional certification requirements or specialized training pertinent to specific roles within airspace management.

Best Schools to become a Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas 2024

Valencia College

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,984
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,933
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:43,370

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

In-State Tuition:$4,140
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,580
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:51%
Total Enrollment:12,949

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,968
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,402
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:30,057

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

In-State Tuition:$10,708
Out-of-State Tuition:$26,392
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:62%
Total Enrollment:27,539
Airspace Management Coordinator Job Description:
  • Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies.
  • Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Airspace Management Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in Arkansas

  • Analytical Skills: You must be able to assess complex airspace data and identify patterns, inconsistencies, and potential issues to ensure optimal airspace management.

  • Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication is vital for coordinating with various stakeholders, including pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport authorities.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: You will need to think critically and develop solutions quickly in response to unforeseen events in the airspace system.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision is essential in your role, as small errors in airspace management can lead to significant safety concerns.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with aviation software, radar systems, and air traffic management tools is necessary for managing air traffic effectively.

  • Team Collaboration: You will work closely with different teams and departments, so the ability to collaborate effectively and work towards common goals is important.

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding FAA regulations, air traffic control procedures, and national airspace system operations is essential for compliance and safety.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and external agencies is key for efficient communication and coordination.

  • Adaptability: You need to adjust to changing conditions in the airspace environment, which can include weather disruptions and emergency situations.

  • Strategic Thinking: The ability to develop and implement long-term strategies for airspace management ensures that operations align with broader transportation goals.

  • Time Management: Prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment is necessary to meet deadlines and respond to the dynamic demands of air traffic management.

  • Leadership Skills: When required, demonstrating leadership capabilities to guide and support your team or project initiatives will enhance operational efficiency.

Job Duties for Airspace Management Coordinators

  • Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.

  • Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.

  • Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.

Technologies and Skills Used by Airspace Management Coordinators

Flight control software

  • Direct-to-tool software
  • Traffic management advisor TMA software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas

The job market for Airspace Management Coordinators in Arkansas presents a favorable landscape characterized by a steady demand for professionals skilled in managing airspace operations and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

  • Demand for Professionals: The aviation industry in Arkansas is experiencing growth due to an increase in air traffic and expansions within regional airports. This has led to a higher demand for airspace management coordinators who can efficiently oversee airspace utilization and coordinate with various stakeholders.

  • Growth Potential: With advancements in technology and the ongoing modernization of air traffic control systems, there is significant potential for career growth in this field. The emphasis on safety and efficiency in airspace operations creates opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles or specialized positions focusing on areas such as air traffic management or regulatory compliance.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Key areas within Arkansas are witnessing robust activity in the aviation sector:

    • Little Rock: As the state's capital, Little Rock has a central airport hub, which necessitates a workforce skilled in airspace coordination.
    • Bentonville and Rogers: The growth of commercial aviation and the presence of major corporations in Northwest Arkansas contribute to an increased need for airspace management professionals.
    • Fort Smith: With its regional airport and military base, Fort Smith also offers opportunities for airspace management coordinators working in both civilian and defense-related sectors.
  • Future Trends: The focus on sustainability and the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in airspace management is creating new roles and responsibilities for coordinators. As these trends evolve, you may find opportunities that align with emerging technologies and practices.

In summary, Arkansas presents a vibrant and evolving job market for Airspace Management Coordinators, driven by industry growth, technological advancements, and the need for skilled professionals in key geographical areas.

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

    • The FAA oversees the regulation of civil aviation in the United States, including airspace management. Their website offers extensive information on policies, procedures, and training.
    • Website: www.faa.gov
  • National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)

    • NATCA represents air traffic controllers and promotes safety in the national airspace system. Their resources include advocacy updates, training resources, and professional development opportunities.
    • Website: www.natca.org
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) Training Resources

    • This site provides valuable materials for those looking to pursue a career in air traffic control and airspace management, including simulation programs and study guides.
    • Website: www.atctraining.com
  • Transportation Research Board (TRB)

    • The TRB offers reports, research papers, and studies related to transportation, including air traffic management and aviation safety. This resource can help you stay informed about industry trends and innovations.
    • Website: www.trb.org
  • American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)

    • AAAE provides educational programs, certifications, and valuable resources for airport executives and airspace management professionals.
    • Website: www.aaae.org
  • International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

    • As a specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO provides international standards and guidelines for airspace management and aviation safety.
    • Website: www.icao.int
  • Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)

    • Managed by NASA, this system collects and analyzes voluntary reports of aviation safety incidents, providing valuable insights into safety trends and operational issues in airspace management.
    • Website: asrs.arc.nasa.gov
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

    • The NTSB conducts investigations and prepares safety recommendations to improve the national airspace system. Their reports can be crucial in understanding past incidents and enhancing future safety measures.
    • Website: www.ntsb.gov
  • Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE)

    • SAFE supports the aviation education community with resources and professional development opportunities. They provide a network for aviation educators, which can be beneficial for career advancement.
    • Website: www.safepilots.org
  • Local Universities and Colleges Offering Aviation Programs

    • Consider exploring the aviation-related programs at local institutions such as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock or Arkansas State University. These programs often provide academic resources, internships, and networking opportunities in airspace management. Check their websites for more information:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas

  • What does an Airspace Management Coordinator do?
    An Airspace Management Coordinator is responsible for managing and coordinating the use of airspace within a particular area. This includes ensuring that air traffic is organized, safe, and efficient, overseeing flight operations, and working closely with air traffic controllers and other aviation authorities.

  • What qualifications do I need to become an Airspace Management Coordinator?
    Generally, a bachelor's degree in aviation management, aerospace engineering, or a related field is preferred. Additionally, relevant certifications, such as those from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), can enhance your qualifications.

  • Is experience in aviation necessary for this role?
    While direct experience in aviation can be beneficial, many entry-level positions allow for on-the-job training. However, having experience in air traffic control, flight operations, or airport management can improve your prospects.

  • What skills are essential for an Airspace Management Coordinator?
    Key skills include strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, effective communication, decision-making under pressure, and proficiency in using aviation management software and navigational tools.

  • Where can I find job opportunities as an Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas?
    Job openings can be found through various platforms, including aviation job boards, government websites, and local airport authorities. Networking with industry professionals and attending aviation conferences can also be helpful.

  • What is the salary range for an Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas?
    Salaries can vary based on experience and specific roles, but the average salary for an Airspace Management Coordinator in Arkansas typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually.

  • What are the typical work hours for this position?
    Work hours can vary significantly, as airspace management is needed around the clock. Coordinators may need to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

  • Are there advancement opportunities in this career?
    Yes, there are various opportunities for advancement within airspace management. With experience and further education, you can move into higher positions such as Air Traffic Manager or Director of Airspace Operations.

  • What does a typical day look like for an Airspace Management Coordinator?
    A typical day may include monitoring air traffic, coordinating with pilots and air traffic control, analyzing flight data, and preparing reports on airspace usage and efficiency.

  • What kind of work environment should I expect?
    You can expect to work in an office environment, often in or near an airport, and spend time in control towers or operations centers. The job may involve long periods of sitting and working with technical equipment.