Having a spouse that is an Air Traffic Controller is so special and fun! It has impacted my life in so many ways. Air Traffic can be quite stressful for your significant other so give them some grace as they first start on their journey. During tech school and the first year at their first base assignment, expect them to spend a lot of time at work or at home studying.
It has made my life more interesting, to say the least! If you know nothing about airplanes or flying, you will soon know way more than you ever wanted to know! One of the best perks of having your spouse as a controller is getting to go into the control tower and see a plane land or take off right in front of you, it’s amazing!
Work Schedules
For most bases, they will work split shifts. At the current base they work either 7a-3p or 3p-11p. This can make it slightly challenging to have quality time depending on if you also work or have kids. This can definitely make an impact on your relationship and requires a lot of communication! On the weeks where he works the swing shift, we make sure to plan our weekends together. And when he works the day shift, we make sure to take advantage of our time together and cook dinner or watch a movie together. Communication is KEY but it gets easier as you both get into a good routine!
PCS Expectation
The good part about their job is that they can PCS to any base that has a control tower. However, moving is not common with this job. Your service member could be at one base for their entire enlistment. There are also plenty of options overseas if that’s something you’re interested in.
Deployments + TDY’s
Being in the position as a controller, deployments are possible but are not often. For a standard deployment, they are six months long and unaccompanied. There are also very few TDYs required but some deployments will require a TDY which can make the deployment longer.
TDYs are also very slim but could happen depending on the base or if they take on a leadership position in the control tower.
The Community
At the current base we are at, the air traffic controllers are all very close. They spend a lot of time together at work, and typically outside of work also. Because they are so close, it makes it easy to become friends with the spouses.
Overall, being a spouse to an Air Traffic Controller is so rewarding and has been so fun to support him!
Meet Sasha
Hi there! I’m Sasha, a WAF for over four years. My husband and I love trying new coffee shops, restaurants, hiking, and spending time with our cat! We are looking forward to more adventures that the Air Force takes us!
