Kerry Whisnant, an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and professor of physics at Iowa State University, may be on to something that will greatly impact team winning percentages. Mathematical models that he and other fanatic baseball statisticians have helped produce may accurately predict teams' successes. Whisnant and other members of the Society for American Baseball Research have analyzed...
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to make certain that planes stay a safe distance apart. Their immediate concern is safety, but controllers also must direct planes efficiently to minimize delays. Some regulate airport traffic through designated airspaces; others regulate airport arrivals and departures.
Low-end Salary:
$45,020/yr
Median Salary:
$111,870/yr
High-end Salary:
$161,010/yr Education:
A degree in mathematics is a great way to start a career as an air traffic controller. To become an air traffic controller, a person must also complete an FAA-approved education program; pass a pre-employment test; receive a school recommendation; meet the basic qualification requirements in accordance with Federal law; and achieve a qualifying score on the FAA-authorized pre-employment test.
Math Required:
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Geometry
Calculus I and II
Statistics
When Math Is Used:
Air traffic controller uses math in order to be able to understand distances and measurements at a moment's notice. They also must be able to do mental math quickly and accurately. Part of their job is directing aircraft at what altitude and speed to fly. An error in these directions could be fatal so a strong math background is important. In addition, gaining computer skills is essential in order to work with special computer programs and automated instruments.
Potential Employers:
The vast majority of air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA. Air traffic controllers work at airports—in towers and flight service stations—and in air route traffic control centers. A small number of civilian controllers work for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Facts:
During peak air travel times in the United States, there are about 5,000 airplanes in the sky every hour. This translates to approximately 50,000 aircraft operating in our skies each day. Air traffic controllers regulate the traffic in the sky in order to provide safety and protection.
Citations:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos108.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/air-traffic-control.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes532021.htm
http://www.dowling.edu/academics/bsavia.shtml
http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/1062...
http://www.algebralab.org/careers/AirTrafficController/default.aspx
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Quote Of The Day
"Students often ask me what to take in school… my answer?... follow your natural interests, but take lots of math!"
Vice President and General Manager for GE Medical Systems
General Electric Company
Figures represent salary potential.
© BYU Mathematics Department 2009
Additional support provided by:
Mathematical Association of America