Air Traffic Controllers Career

If you are interested in keeping our skies traffic safer and want to take the challenging task of keeping an eye over the movement of air traffic then learn more about the job description of Air Traffic Controllers or ATCs.

They control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport according to established procedures and policies to prevent collisions and to minimize delays arising from traffic congestion.

An air traffic controller is responsible for the safe, orderly and efficient movement of air traffic on and in the vicinity of airports. Safety is the foremost responsibility of controllers but they also direct planes efficiently to minimize delays, regulate airport traffic through designated airspaces and regulate airport arrivals and departures.

In very busy airports, the work is split between air controllers and ground controllers. Air controllers will guide the plane during landing, while ground controllers will manage planes on the runway, issuing instructions as planes taxi to and from parking stands and holding areas.

Role of Air Traffic Controllers

  • Answers radio calls from arriving and departing aircraft.
  • Issues landing and take-off instructions and information.
  • Transfers control of departing flights to and accept control of arriving flights from air traffic control center, using telephone or inter-phone.
  • Alerts airport emergency crew and other designated personnel when airplanes are having flight difficulties.
  • Operates radio and monitors radarscope to control aircraft operating in vicinity of airport.

Skills of Air Traffic Controllers

Communication Skills: When pilots contact the control tower for instructions, air traffic controllers must listen carefully to their requests and respond by speaking clearly.
Concentration Skills & Alertness: Concentration skills and alertness come handy all the times for Air Traffic controllers.
Decision-making Skills: Controllers must make quick decisions.
Multitasking Skills: ATCs must be able to coordinate the actions of multiple flights.
Problem-Solving Skills: Controllers must be able to understand complex situations  and review important information and provide pilots with an appropriate solution.

Work Schedule of ATCs

Most air traffic controllers work full time, and some must work additional hours. Because most control towers and route centers operate around the clock, controllers rotate shifts between day, evening, and night. Controllers also work weekend and holiday shifts.

Some Job Titles

Airport Control Operator, Control Tower  Radio Operator, Flight  Control Tower Operator, Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Air Traffic Controller, Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Air Traffic Controller (Enroute Option), Air Traffic Controller (Tower Option)

Where to study

To work as Air Traffic Controller (ATC) you may need a diploma / degree in electronics and communication or a related field. Different countries may have different sets of training requirements. To find a suitable study programme go to University Hub.

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