Become an Air Traffic Controller

The following article outlines the job duties, training involved and future prospects of taking on a career as an Air Traffic Controller.

Preview:

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe movement of aircraft in the air and also on the ground. They ensure that aircraft's remain at a safe distance from each other, both horizontally and vertically. They also direct the movement of aircraft during takeoff and landing at airports and a long air routes, using radar screens to monitor their position and movements. They also give instructions and information to pilots by radio.

The job:

Air traffic controllers working teams in control rooms. They maintain contact with aircraft's, watching their every movement visually or on radar screens, and give pilots instructions on the height, speed, and position they must observe. They also make calculations taking into account flight plans and weather.

Airport controllers monitor aircraft within a certain distance of the airport. If traffic is congested, they may tell the pilot that landing is not possible yet and guide the aircraft into a holding pattern. When the pilot is within a much closer distance, they direct them through the landing procedures. They also give departing aircraft their exact time for takeoff. At larger airports some air traffic controllers specialize in ground control. They control the movement of aircraft, and all vehicles, on the ground around airports.

There is strong comradeship that builds up in air traffic control teams. Controllers work closely together and assist each other and often prefer to work in the same teams all the time to read air traffic controllers working ships covering 24 hours. The number of consecutive hours they may work and their breaks from duty are strictly regulated. The type of work that an air traffic controller must do demands total concentration and is often stressful at times.

Training involved:

Air traffic controllers must obtain a license issued by a national aviation authority. To obtain this the majority and a specialist air traffic control college as paid employees of the national civil aviation authority. This course includes theory and practice under simulated conditions. Further training and experience in control centers are necessary before controllers become fully qualified. In some countries controllers who are employed by private airports they work as trainees with their employers and attend air traffic control college on a part-time basis in order to successfully complete the license. Military controllers also receive basic military training. Qualified air traffic controllers must take a regular performance test and pass an annual medical examination.

Future prospects:

Most air traffic controllers are employed by national or federal government civil aviation authorities. Some are also employed by the owners of private airports and some by aircraft manufacturers. All controllers must have the authority's license. National air forces have their own air traffic controllers were all serving military personnel are at there is also a promotion structure within air traffic control work. Jobs are graded and therefore there is the possibility to become sector supervisors or even area controllers. The demand for air traffic controllers is increasing because of the growing number of people traveling by air transportation. Promotion prospects depend very much on the movement and retirement of senior staff. Also note that most countries employ only their own nationals as air traffic controllers.

For further information contact the appropriate civil aviation authority.