Air traffic controller (also called: Air traffic control officer)

Job Description:

Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.

Job Category:

Transport & Logistics

What you will do:

Your tasks will vary depending on which type of controller you become. There are 3 types:

area controller – in a regional control centre, tracking and guiding aircraft through your sector
approach controller – managing aircraft as they approach the airport
aerodrome controller – in a control tower, helping pilots land and park, and line up for take-off

Air traffic controllers also respond to emergency distress calls, guiding planes to the runway and helping pilots to land safely.

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

As well as:

concentration skills
the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
complex problem-solving skills & adaptability
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

This may vary according to your country of residence. In the UK, you’ll need an air traffic control licence from the National Air Traffic Services (NATS). It takes around 3 years to train and you’ll complete your training while working.

To become a trainee controller, you’ll need:

to be 18 years old
a medical examination
security clearance
And in the UK, 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English and maths

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work 40 hours a week on shifts, including days, nights, weekends and public holidays. During a shift you’ll usually guide aircraft for up to 2 hours, followed by a half-hour break.

You’ll be based in a flight control centre or airport control tower.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could move into training and assessing new controllers, or become a supervisor or unit manager.

You could also move into operations management.