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Verbal·Expression of Ideas·Support
easy
1 Must thrive under pressure, enjoy taking initiative,
and think clearly in high-stress situations. This position
is not for the meek. Strong focus is required. Interested
applicants will be properly vetted. Training will be provided
for qualified candidates. In the United States alone, there
are nearly 87,000 flights per day (including passenger,
personal, and military planes). While proper aviation is
the responsibility of the pilot, it 2 was the work of a few
specially trained, carefully selected, skilled decision makers
working behind the scenes that secures the safe, expeditious
flow of air traffic. These masters of the 3 skies known as
air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safe
takeoff, travel, and landing of 64 million flights per year.
To get 4 you’re air traffic control career off the ground,
the most traditional path is through an approved training
program. The FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training
Initiative established aviation-related curricula at more
than 30 postsecondary schools. 5 If traditional schooling
does not suit an interested individual, the FAA allows
candidates to substitute at least three years of “progressively
responsible” work experience for a bachelor’s degree. Your
dream can begin to take flight after you 6 actualize a
qualifying score on the FAA-authorized pre-employment
7 test; a rigorous vetting process including physical and
mental exercises. Certain conditions, such as high blood
pressure, may disqualify an applicant due to the stressful
nature of the job. But more than anything, the federal
government cares about one’s age. 8 Those who wish to
enter the profession must do so before their 31st birthday.
9 Training: the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City provides
a 12-week course for all qualified applicants. This program
ensures that all controllers understand current regulations,
the airway system, and aircraft specifications; can manage
taxiways, runways, and holding areas; and 10 learn how
to clear aircraft for takeoff and landing. Standardized
training minimizes variance, since the reduction of delays is
paramount to the job. Being an air traffic controller means
making many important decisions to be made on the fly,
but one who lands the position of air traffic controller
earns a fulfilling career that ensures millions of skybound
travelers safely reach their destinations. 11
At this point, the writer wants to explain the limitation introduced in the previous sentence. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?
A
In the interest of keeping the public safe, the FAA determined that a controller’s effectiveness diminishes after the age of 30 and has run its course by the mandatory retirement age of 56.
B
Upon graduation, one retains employment eligibility for two years before having to undergo the requalification process to ensure one’s skills and abilities are still sharp.
C
A candidate with related military experience is eligible to bypass certain steps and can enjoy an expedited application process, but she must still submit geographic preferences for work placement.
D
In order to work for the FAA, one must a strong command of the English language and must be able to speak concisely because of its necessity in potentially dangerous air traffic scenarios.