FLIGHT SUPPORT

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER AND AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Catherine Fountaine, Thomas Halan

English 1110: Technical Writing

FLIGHT SUPPORT
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER AND AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

FLIGHT SUPPORT
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER AND AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Submitted to:
Jennifer Smith

Prepared by:
Open Options Career Counseling
Catherine Fountaine
Thomas Halan

November 30, 2014

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

To: Ms. Jennifer Smith

From: Mr. Thomas Halan, Representative of Open Options

Here at Open Options we have taken your general guidelines and compiled an in-depth report to help
you navigate the crossroads of starting your career. We have worked diligently to insure your launch
from the springboard of education lands you in a rewarding career at a great location, funding all of your
dreams. Please be ready to review our analysis of this exciting decision.
Lets get started on your new life!

Sincerely,

Thomas Halan
Mr. Thomas Halan

cc. Catherine Fountaine

November 30, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter of Transmittal ..................................................................................................................................... 4
List of Illustrations ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Salary ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Education and Certification Requirements ................................................................................................. 10
Air Traffic Controllers .............................................................................................................................. 10
AT-CTI .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Aviation Maintenance Technicians ......................................................................................................... 10
Choice of Certifications ....................................................................................................................... 10
Location....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Air Traffic Controllers .............................................................................................................................. 11
Midwest .............................................................................................................................................. 11
East Coast ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Aviation Maintenance Technicians ......................................................................................................... 11
Midwest .............................................................................................................................................. 12
East Coast ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Work Environment ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Air Traffic Controllers .............................................................................................................................. 12
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians .......................................................................................................... 12
Job Outlook ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Air Traffic controller ................................................................................................................................ 13
Aviation Maintenance Technician........................................................................................................... 13
Client Considerations .................................................................................................................................. 14
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 15
References .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Research References ............................................................................................................................... 16
Image References.................................................................................................................................... 17
Appendices.................................................................................................................................................. 18
Appendix i: Location Data ....................................................................................................................... 18
Appendix ii: Abilities ............................................................................................................................... 20

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Cover A. 1930s Scandinavian Maintenance Hangar.. 1
Cover B. Melbourne Airport Control Tower . 1
Cover C. Aircraft Carrier Control Center . 1
Figure 1. Techne Sparrowhawk II worn by an Air Traffic Controller ... 9
Figure 2. IDF Aircraft maintenance technician .. 9
Figure 3. 2012 Median Income for the top 5 Aircraft Maintenance Technician industries .. 10
Figure 4. Maintenance to an F-14 Tomcat . 13
Figure 5. Analysis of Veterans Benefits For Furthering Education 14
Figure 6. Air Traffic Controller Mean Salary by State with Region Averages 18
Figure 7. Air Traffic Controller Employment Opportunities by State .. 18
Figure 8. Aviation Maintenance Technician Mean Salary by State with Region Averages ... 19
Figure 9. Aviation Maintenance Technician Employment Opportunities by State .... 19
Figure 10. Mental Ability Comparison ..... 20
Figure 11. Physical Ability Comparison ... 20

Table 1. Employment projections 2012-2022 .. 13

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We endeavored to compare the career paths of Air Traffic Controller and Aviation Maintenance
Technician, to determine a reasonable recommendation for Jennifer Smith. We focused on the Midwest
and East Coast regions at the request of Ms. Smith, and reviewed the impact of military training on her
future career in these fields. The primary criterion we used to compare the careers were Salary,
Education & Certification Requirements, Location, Work Environment, Job Outlook, and Military
Training.
We saw that the Air Traffic Controller career has low entry level salary, but higher salary potential. Ms.
Smith could access the Air Traffic Controller field with her current education level, but additional
education would be very helpful, especially if obtained from specialized college programs. Beginning
controllers must pass exams to become controllers and to become certified. Air Traffic Controllers must
also continue to pass aptitude tests throughout their career. The Midwest is the strongest region for
Controllers, with a concentration in job availability and high salaries found in Chicago, Illinois.
Controllers work in Control Towers which are usually placed near airports in metropolitan areas, with a
few in remote areas. This field can be visually and mentally demanding, with higher capacity, higher
stress positions bringing the highest salary potential. There is only slight growth in this sector expected,
but many new job openings still projected due to retiring controllers.
Aviation Maintenance Technicians do not have as high a ceiling on salary potential, but much more
consistent salaries throughout their career. The Midwest offers the strongest salary potential, but jobs
in this sector can be found throughout the country. Most technicians will seek certification, an aspect of
this career that can be obtained while working but could be greatly assisted by pursuing military service.
This career path will rely more on physical dexterity, with wear on joints and exposure to loud noise and
the elements expected. Nationwide there are more Aviation Maintenance Technician positions, making
it easier to find work in this sector. More growth is projected in this field as well, especially for
technicians with dual certification and knowledge of cutting edge technology and computer systems.
Choosing to pursue the United States Air Force as a career, or to supplement a career in these fields can
be advantageous. The USAF can be a good source of training in many aviation related fields. The Air
Force will make use of both Air Traffic Controllers and Aviation Maintenance Technicians, with the
number favoring the maintenance technicians as it does in the private sector. Military service can be a
boon in obtaining knowledge, experience and certifications specific to the chosen field, in addition to
the usual Military benefits.
Within the Midwest and East Coast regions, the Midwest is a stronger center for the Air Traffic
Controller and the Aviation Maintenance Technician. If you settle in Chicago, Illinois, the Air Traffic
Controller will offer great job prospects with high potential salaries and proximity to a strong
metropolitan area. Elsewhere in the region, or should you pursue military service, we recommend
Aviation Maintenance Technician for the greater accessibility, early career salary strength and
nationwide job availability.

INTRODUCTION
Included in our analysis we have investigated the following aspects outlined by your criteria; salary;
education and certification requirements; job outlook; location; work environment; client considerations
and restrictions. This in-depth analysis is tailored to your future and will provide a broad outlook on the
metrics of your career choice.

Fig. 1: Desk of an Air Traffic Controller.

Fig. 2: Aircraft maintenance technician

SALARY
The expected salaries for Air Traffic Controllers encompass a wider range than Aircraft Mechanics and
Technicians.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the starting salary for new controllers
undergoing training was $17,803 in 2012. (Air Traffic Controllers, 2014, tab 5) However, more
experienced Air Traffic Controllers earn between $60,000 and $170,000 a year, with a median income of
$122,530 in 2012. (Air Traffic Controllers, 2014)
For Aircraft Mechanics and Technicians, the median annual wages in the top 5 aviation industries ranged
between $49,120 for Air Transportation Support Activities, to $59,110 for Scheduled Air Transportation.
(Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, 2014)

Fig. 3: 2012 Median Income for the top 5 Aircraft Maintenance Technician industries.

The salary for the Aircraft Mechanic is more reliable in the early career stage. The Air Traffic Controller
career has more income growth. Considering salary alone, we recommend the Air Traffic Controller for
its long term potential.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Both Air Traffic Controllers and Aircraft Maintenance Technicians have a number of requirements that
must be met.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

Basic requirements require all Air Traffic Controllers to be U.S. Citizens over 18 years of age with a good
command of English. Medical standards and background checks must be passed, as well as period drug
tests. All controllers must pass an 8 hour exam called the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. Some
of the characteristics tested include arithmetic, prioritization, planning, tolerance for high intensity,
decisiveness, visualization, problem solving, and movement detection. (Air Traffic Controllers, 2014,
tab 4) The FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK trains all new Air Traffic Controllers. Students can be no
more than 30 years of age when their training begins, and training lasts for 2 to 5 months. After this
academy experience, they become Developmental Controllers, working under supervision until they
master required skills. It typically takes 2-4 years of on-the-job training before a new controller can
obtain full certification. All Air Traffic Controllers must take regular exams throughout their career
demonstrating continued proficiency.

AT-CTI
Many aspiring Air Traffic Controllers attend specialized schools with 2 or 4 year degree programs created
under the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. Doing well in this path can earn the student a
recommendation letter, access to special jobs boards and more intensive training at the FAA Academy.

AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS

Like Air Traffic Controllers, some Aviation Maintenance Technicians train at special schools approved by
the FAA. These Aviation Maintenance Technician schools prepare the students for careers in this field,
document a skill level that make them valuable to employers and can substitute for some practical
experience requirements. Many mechanics and technicians have only high school diplomas or
Associates degrees, receiving on-the-job training. According to onetonline.org, 60% of positions in this
field required a vocational certificate. 25% of Aviation Mechanics & Technician positions require no
more than an Associates degree, with 12% requiring only a high school equivalent. (Details Report for
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, 2013)

CHOICE OF CERTIFICATIONS
Most Aviation Mechanics and Technicians seek certification. Without FAA certification, mechanics and
technicians are more limited in which parts of the aircraft they can work on and must work under
supervision. The certification exams are delivered in three parts: written, oral and practical. The FAA
maintains two types of aircraft maintenance exams, one for Airframe (body work) and the other for
engine work called Powerplant. employers may prefer to hire mechanics who have both Airframe
and Powerplant (A&P) ratings. (Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, 2014,
tab 4) In addition to passing the exams, applicants must be 18 and have good command of English. 18
hours of experience on either Airframe or Powerplant (or 30 hours working on both) must be
documented to receive certification, unless the applicant graduated from an Aviation Maintenance
Technician School. (Aviation Careers, 2014)

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When considering Education and Certification requirements alone, we recommend the Aviation
Mechanic & Technician career. It is more accessible without any additional special training.

LOCATION
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS
A career as an air traffic controller requires a geographical gravitation toward metropolitan areas to
increase available positions and raised wages. Rural areas have less opportunities and the pay is often
reduced by roughly 33%. (53-2021 Air Traffic Controllers, 2013) Metropolitan areas are more likely to
have highly skilled veteran co-workers from whom a lot can be learned that only experience can teach.
Understanding your desire to live in the Midwest or East Coast I have categorized your options by
geographical area.

MIDWEST
The Midwest United States has a higher job outlook than any other geographical area in the country.
(53-2021 Air Traffic Controllers, 2013) There are four states in the Midwest that have the highest
annual mean wage of air traffic controller in the country. Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio and Missouri all have
a salary range of $123,000 - $140,650 per year. All other states in the Midwest sans Iowa come in at
$90,000 - $120,000 as well. There is a wealth of opportunity in this area as the employment numbers
are the highest in the country with four states employing anywhere from 720 2,290 air traffic
controllers. (53-2021 Air Traffic Controllers, 2013) In Chicago, IL the highest percentage of
employment and highest wage prevail making it the ideal location if career is the only factor in the
decision. The Midwestern United States gives more freedom of choice as to where you live without
sacrificing wages.

EAST COAST
The Atlantic east coast provides opportunities but narrows the freedom of choice in regards to living
areas. Only two states, New York and Virginia, provide excellent employment opportunities.
Pennsylvania and New Hampshire come in a distant second and the surrounding states offer very little.
The highest paid controllers in the area are in the Alexandria, VA area as the mean wage is $142,610/yr
with surrounding areas providing much less compensation. (53-2021 Air Traffic Controllers, 2013) This
is a viable path if personal choices overtake career choices however the numbers in this region are far
from exciting.

AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS

A career in Avionics maintenance is a hard egg to balance in regards to location, as your spoon is very
small. The bulk of employment is in the southern states ranging south of the Mason-Dixon, however the
wages are severely lowered. This is likely due to the lack of unions in these areas so companies will
move their maintenance shops to increase profit margin and reduce worker compensation. This is
important to take into account when considering a job in the trades, retirement with a pension will
serve you well in later years in addition to fair wages during your working ones.
11

MIDWEST
In exploring employment opportunities in the Midwest we find that Ohio has the highest rate of
employment with decent wages but lacking union support. Illinois proves to be the best bet in this
category as good employment rates are coupled with excellent pay in the field and all of it is backed by
the strongest union state in the country. (49-2091 Avionics Technicians, 2013) The Chicago area
would be the strongest decision in this field.

EAST COAST
Employment rates and wages alike are lacking in this region. Only Delaware offers a high wage but the
employment rate numbers are lacking. Other states like Pennsylvania and New York have decent
employment rates but the pay is low in these two states. High living expenses and low pay, I suggest
avoidance of this region.
Considering location alone we have determined the Midwest is desirable for its consistency in
employment demand and salary over a regional area.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment of a job is arguably the most important aspect of your career choice. Over
roughly 40 years this will be your livelihood, demanding mentally and physically your faculties in order
to be successful. Consider your personal style and drive to select the direction you would like to travel.
There is no recommendation from us in this section as the two fields are at opposite ends of a large
spectrum with personal preference being paramount.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

Air traffic Controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en-route centers. Tower
facilities are located at airports while en-route locations are usually in office building off-site. Usually
working in low light conditions controllers use a variety of electronic instruments and screens to guide in
aircraft, relying less on direct visual contact. This can cause eye strain and vision damage over long
periods. (All Job Openings, 2014) Controllers work at a rapid pace, maintaining total concentration
while doing so. As a result controllers undergo a lot of stress in the work place and are allowed to retire
at age 56, or 50 if they have 20 years experience. Hours and shifts are usually varied rotating from day,
evening and night shifts in addition to weekends and holidays. (All Job Openings, 2014) Smaller airports
tend to have normal work schedules. In conclusion, more stress equals more pay in this field.

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS

Avionic technicians generally work in a hangar setting or on a flight line. Exposure to the elements is
guaranteed. A loud environment due to equipment and aircraft engines exists. Long and frequent
periods of stooping, bending, laying in odd positions and working from ladders/aerial lift equipment is
required to maintain aircraft. (AV Scholars, 2007) This is primarily a full time position with overtime and
weekend hours plentiful. Downsides include wear on the body, particularly joints over time.

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Fig. 4: Maintenance to an F-14 Tomcat

JOB OUTLOOK
Air Traffic Controller and Aviation Maintenance Technician are stable careers projecting slight growth in
their industry going forward.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Air traffic controller positions are expected to increase only slightly over time. Due to a new software
program being rolled out, air traffic controllers will be able to handle more traffic more efficiently.
However since air traffic is increasing, it is anticipated that roughly the same number of air traffic
controllers will be needed to maintain the volume. There will be opportunity in this sector despite this
static level of industry growth. According to www.faa.gov, the FAA plans to hire and train more than
ten thousand air traffic control specialists over the next decade. (Aviation Careers, section 3) Many of
these new hires will simply replace retiring controllers, netting a projected increase of only 400
employees from 2012 to 2022. (Air Traffic Controllers, 2014) Entry level controllers with AT-CTI
training, or those with prior experience in the industry will have the best prospects.

Table 1. Employment projections 2012-2022

AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Despite the expected increase in air travel, maintenance on newer planes is anticipated to be less than
on older planes, and improvements in repair technology will allow work to be done more efficiently.
13

The result will be slow but steady 2% growth in the industry with an estimated net increase of 3,000
additional workers. (Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, 2014) Technicians
with dual certification, familiarity with computers, and knowledge of cutting edge technologies, will be
the best suited to weather the competition.
Aviation Maintenance Technician positions are more numerous than controllers, and the growth rate is
slightly improved in the maintenance sector. Without additional education, potential of obtaining a
good position quickly is much stronger in the maintenance sectors. Considering Job Outlook alone, we
recommend the Aviation Maintenance Technician career path.

CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS
MILITARY SERVICE
We have taken into account your personal consideration on military service. Based on your potential
career choices the United States Air Force (USAF) is the branch of the military best suited to your needs.
Airmen perform both aircraft maintenance and air traffic control. This option allows you to receive free
training and certification in either field. After boot camp, trainees attend military technical school for a
specified number of weeks. Upon graduation you would be awarded a certificate of completion from the
USAF. After technical school you would receive orders for your permanent duty station. There is no
choice in your duty station but the opportunity to travel may open your eyes to locations and cultures
foreign to your own. This can be a rewarding experience.

Analysis of Veterans Benefits

For Furthering Education
$2,500.00
$2,000.00
$1,500.00
$1,000.00
$500.00
$0.00
Cost of Living per Month USA avg

Cost of Tuition per Year USA avg

-$500.00
Normal Cost

Veterans Cost

Fig. 5: Analysis of Veterans Benefits For Furthering Education

Air traffic control and aircraft maintenance are both enlisted positions, considering a bachelors degree is
required to enter officer training this fact is irrelevant. While enlisted however, you are free to attend
14

on base college courses through a number of universities of your choice. These courses are fast tracked
and allow a 4 year degree to be obtained in 2, completely free of charge. The option to enter Officer
Training School (OTS) would be on the table throughout your military career. Upon Separation from the
USAF you would receive the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. This would provide roughly $1800/mo for attending
college full time plus tuition is paid for. If attending college in Illinois or Texas, having been a resident
before entering, through the Veteran Grant program all public 2-4 year colleges are required to waive
any tuition and fees for attending school (Military.com, 2014).
Having left the military, searching for a position in your career field you would not only be at the top of
the hiring list due to the prestige of your veterans status, in any government job it will be required that
you top it through the veterans preference program (Military.com, 2014). Having retired from the
military you would receive free medical care for life.
These benefits have the potential to skyrocket your life and career should you choose to serve. Here at
open options we highly suggest you take this route into serious consideration.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, with the analysis completed all of your options are laid out. In the Midwest, our
recommendation is Air Traffic Control preferably in the Chicago, Illinois area. This will provide you with
a high paying salary in a market with high demand and a region possessing a rich culture and high quality
of life. However, in other regions we recommend Aviation Maintenance Technician for early career
salary strength, accessibility at current education level and nationwide job availability. Aviation
Maintenance would also take the best advantage of military training.
You are now armed with all of the necessary tools to pave your path in life. By reviewing these key
areas for consideration you can systematically arrive at the direction you wish to travel. After all, its
your life, make it count!
We thank you for choosing Open Options where your business is appreciated.

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REFERENCES
RESEARCH REFERENCES
All Job Openings. Job Descriptions. (2014, January). Air Traffic Controller Job Description. Retrieved
from http://resources.alljobopenings.com/air-traffic-controller-jobs

AV Scholars. Career Overviews. (2007, April). Aviation Maintenance Technicians. Retrieved from
http://www.avscholars.com/Aircraft_Mechanic/skills.htm

Aviation Careers. (2014, October 3). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.faa.gov/jobs/
career_fields/aviation_careers/

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment Statistics. (2013, May). Occupational employment
and wages: air traffic controllers. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes532021.htm

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment Statistics. (2013, May). Occupational employment
and wages: avionics technicians. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes492091.htm

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition,
Air Traffic Controllers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-materialmoving/air-traffic-controllers.htm (visited November 21, 2014).

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition,
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/
ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-andtechnicians.htm (visited November 21, 2014).

Military.com. Benefits. (2014). Illinois State Veterans Benefits. Retrieved from

http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/illinois-state-veterans-benefits.html

National Center for O*NET Development. 49-3011.00. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved November 20, 2014,
from http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-3011.00
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National Center for O*NET Development. 53-2021.00. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved November 20, 2014,
from http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/53-2021.00

IMAGE REFERENCES
Aircraft maintenance technician. (2014, November 19). Retrieved November 22, 2014, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_maintenance_technician

Airport Malmo Bulltofta BUA Junkers SE-ABG on maintenance, interior of a hangar at Bulltofta Airport,
Malmo. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Airport
Malm_Bulltofta_BUA,_Junkers_SE-ABG_on_maintenance,_Interior_of_a_hangar_at_Bulltofta_
Airport,_Malm.jpg

Melbourne Airport Control Tower. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from http://commons.
wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Melbourne_airport_control_tower_and_united_B747.jpg

Techne Sparrowhawk II worn by an Air Traffic Controller. (2013, October 24). Retrieved November 22,
2014, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrtime2give/8592888925/

US Navy 030428 N 4308O 006 Sailors assigned to the Swordsman of Fighter Squadron Thirty Two 28VF32 29 perform maintenance to an F-14 Tomcat in the hangar bay after it had broken the sound
barrier during an air power demonstration Retrieved November 30, 2014 from,
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_030428-N-4308O-006_Sailors _assigned_ to_
the_Swordsman_of_Fighter_Squadron_Thirty_Two_%28VF-32%29_perform_maintenance_
to_an_F-14_Tomcat_in_the_hangar_bay_after_it_had_broken_the_sound_barrier_during_
an_air_power_demonstration.jpg

US Navy 070303-N-9928E-03 Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Michael Kirk provides advisory control for
pilots in the Carrier Air Traffic Control Center aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis
(CVN_74) (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
US_Navy_070303-N-9928E-103_Air_Traffic_Controller_3rd_Class_Michael_Kirk_provides
advisory_control_for_pilots_in_the_Carrier_Air_Traffic_Control_Center_aboard_Nimitz-class
aircraft_carrier_USS_John_C._Stennis_(CVN_74).jpg

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APPENDICES
APPENDIX I: LOCATION DATA

Fig. 6

Fig. 7
18

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

19

APPENDIX II: ABILITIES

Fig. 10

Fig. 11
20

The graphs above reflect the importance of various mental and physical abilities to the air traffic
controller and aircraft maintenance careers. Both careers have a stronger focus on the mental faculties.
and require sharp problem sensitivity. The Air Traffic Controller needs oral expression, oral
comprehension, and selective attention. The Aircraft Maintenance field instead focuses on written
comprehension and Information ordering. Physically, an Air Traffic Controller must be able to speak
clearly and have accurate vision. The Aircraft Technician relies on manual precision & coordination
skills. Detailed descriptions of each ability, from www.onetonline.org, follow for reference.

Ability
Arm-Hand Steadiness

Ability Description
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or
while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other

distracting sounds.

Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or

grouping things in different ways.

Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a

vehicle to exact positions.

Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers

that make sense.

Depth Perception

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from
you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

Dynamic Flexibility

The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with
your body, arms, and/or legs.

Dynamic Strength

The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time.

This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

Explosive Strength

The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in
jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

Extent Flexibility
Far Vision

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and legs.
The ability to see details at a distance.

Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one

or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or

sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number
of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Glare Sensitivity

The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.

Gross Body Coordination

The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso
together when the whole body is in motion.

Gross Body Equilibrium

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an
unstable position.

21

Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in
pitch and loudness.

Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or

conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated
events).

Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern

according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers,
letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm,
or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve

a problem.

Memorization

Multilimb Coordination
Near Vision
Night Vision
Number Facility

The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures,

and procedures.
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two
legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It
does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in
motion.
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
The ability to see under low light conditions.
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented

through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others

will understand.

Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or
situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences

among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to
be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other.
This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a
remembered object.

Peripheral Vision

The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the
eyes are looking ahead.

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It

does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Rate Control

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of

equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a
moving object or scene.

Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal
(sound, light, picture) when it appears.

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Response Orientation

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in

response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It
includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the
hand, foot, or other body part.

Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being

distracted.

Sound Localization

The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Spatial Orientation

The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to

know where other objects are in relation to you.

Speech Clarity
Speech Recognition

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Speed of Closure

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information
into meaningful patterns.

Speed of Limb Movement

The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Stamina

The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without
getting winded or out of breath.

Static Strength

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry
objects.

Time Sharing

The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or
sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

Trunk Strength

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part
of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or
fatiguing.

Visual Color
Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including

shades of color and brightness.

Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around
or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Wrist-Finger Speed

The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers,

hands, and wrists.

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in

writing.

Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will

understand.

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