On any given day, there are over 87,000 flights over the U.S. Ever wonder how they control that kind of traffic? Well, we're about to find out. 

 As you can see right here that we have probably about 15 this side here. 

 Keeping the traffic flowing is the one priority for Air Traffic Controller Victor Fernandez [assumed spelling]. 

 The main responsibility is of course is aircraft separation, you know, make sure that the airplanes are separated. That's always the main thing. 

 Air traffic controllers organize the flow of aircraft and keep pilots informed about weather changes. 

 You see we're going to have a team of controllers. There's usually not one and you have one that's actually directly talking to the airplanes, but you have several others backing you up. 

 Air traffic controllers' time is spent in the radar room or in the control tower. Most control towers operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. 

 First of all, the shifts could vary. It's a 24-hour -- most of them are 24-hour facilities. There are some that are not, but most are. So, let's say you work a, your typical work week would start usually in the afternoon. 

 Air traffic controllers will control several planes at one time. So, is it difficult to monitor more than one airplane at the same time? 

 Well, it's sort of like a juggling act and when you first start, you know, you'll find it very difficult. Maybe you can only work three or four airplanes. 

 In order to be in control of the air you must first complete an FAA approved education program, receive a school recommendation and meet qualification requirements. 

 You generally start in the tower. And once they've checked out in all positions in the tower then they would move downstairs and start checking out on maybe the four or five radar positions that they have. 

 As an air traffic controller, you can find work in an airport either for the government or private air traffic control companies. Or you can find your self traveling abroad. 

 English is the international language for controllers, for aviation. So, it is spoken everywhere. We go to any major airport on the world that don't speak English. 

 There is a lot of competition to get in the FAA training programs, but those who graduate have good prospects of getting a job. 

 The FAA is hiring about 2,000 controllers every year and they expect to go through about 10 years. 

 Once you've taken off for the job, I'm sure you're interested in what kind of salary you can land. 

 Right now you can look maybe about 40 grand to start. Once you check out in either one or two positions, then you'd probably going to jump to about 60,000. 

 With that starting salary, you'll be flying high, but an air traffic controller's job can be stressful. Keeping your cool is part of the job. So, what type of person or what type of characteristics would make up a good air traffic controller? 

 Well, the main thing is you can't be a nervous person, you know, you have to be sort of laid back and cool under pressure. 

 Here's an interesting fact. In one year, air traffic controllers handle an average of 64 million take offs and landings. 

 My crew as an air traffic controller is about to take off. I'm Nicole Erin for YouniversityTV.com, we'll see you in the air.