Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for keeping air traffic flying safely in the airspace above us. They issue instructions, advice and information to pilots by radio in sections of airspace and at airports. Handling nearly two and a half million flights each year, they work using a network of nationwide communications, surveillance and navigation systems.There are three main areas of responsibility for air traffic controllers:
- area control
- approach control
- aerodrome control.
Area controllers are based at control centres and oversee the en-route stage of a flight. They use radar and the latest technology to track an aircraft’s exact position, to keep traffic separated in flight and to give pilots the most efficient route to their destination.
Approach controllers take over contact with a pilot when the aircraft is within 15 to 20 miles of the airport, giving initial clearance to approach the airport, guiding and sequencing aircraft into the most efficient order for landing.
Aerodrome controllers are the final link in the chain. Working at the top of an airport control tower, they take over when the aircraft is five miles away. They guide pilots in for a safe landing. At very busy airports, aerodrome controllers may be split into air control and ground control - ground control guide the aircraft to its parking stand once it has landed. They also make sure the departing aircraft get from the stands to the runways, and take off safely.
The majority of air traffic controllers (80 per cent) work in area control centres. There are over 2500 air traffic controllers working in the UK. Most of them work for NATS Ltd, though some work for privately-owned air traffic control companies and other work for the Armed Forces.
Although aircraft fly to set schedules, they do not fly exactly the same route each day. Air traffic controllers need to be prepared to deal with any situation, for example:
- changing flight plans
- changes in weather conditions
- unexpected events, such as security alerts
- unscheduled traffic entering the airspace.
Air traffic controllers also may be required to communicate with their counterparts in foreign air traffic control centres, for example those in Europe and the North Atlantic. Much of an air traffic controller’s working time is spent using high tech equipment such as radars, radio equipment, and computers for communicating and collecting data.
Newly recruited air traffic controllers can earn around £10782 while they are in their initial training stage. Once they take up a trainee position at an airport they can earn between £15450 and £18540. On completion of training and having gained sufficient experience and air traffic controller will earn between £29443 and £32814. This can rise with experience and responsibilities taken, with senior controllers capable of earning up to £91000 a year.
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Working environment
Air traffic controllers work in a highly pressurised environment. They spend the majority of their time on duty using very high tech equipment and are usually based in flight control centres or in airport traffic control towers. These places can get very busy, but they are well maintained in general as it is important that air traffic controllers are comfortable as their work is so critical.A typical working week for an air traffic controller is 37 to 40 hours split into shifts which rotate to include nights, weekends and bank holidays. They will normally work at their desks (or ‘on position’) for up to 2 hours before they are required to take a break.
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Skills and interests
An air traffic controller must be very motivated as it can be a very stressful job. They need an interest in aviation and also in technology.An air traffic controller needs to be able to:
- communicate very clearly
- absorb and process information quickly
- work well under pressure and remain calm at all times
- work with complex data quickly and accurately
- understand three dimensional mapping systems and visualise aircraft positions
- work well in a team, not just with other controllers, but also with pilots, engineers and other airport departments.
Communication is a key skill for the role. Controllers must ensure that they listen carefully to incoming radio messages and deliver any outgoing messages very clearly; one minor understanding between an air traffic controller and a pilot could result in tragedy. The universal language used by air traffic controllers around the world is English, although the ability to speak other languages can be useful.
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Entry into the role
There are four main routes to get into air traffic control. The most common entry route is to gain a position as a trainee with NATS. Another is to apply for a position as an air traffic services assistant at an airport that is controlled by another air traffic control company with the potential that they will provide sponsorship and support for training to become an air traffic controller. The third option is to pay for training and then to apply for trainee positions at an airport. The final route is to join the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy as an air traffic control officer and convert to the necessary Civil Aviation Authority licences later.To become a trainee with NATS Ltd, applicants must have at least five GCSES at grade C or above (or national equivalent) including English and maths. Applicants must also be at least 18. All applicants also have to satisfactorily pass a medical assessment that checks for physical fitness to work including eyesight and hearing, as well as drugs and alcohol abuse testing.
NATS candidates who pass through the initial online application stage must then pass a number of selection stages, including an online test, an initial assessment session, a computer test day and a final assessment day. During these assessments, various tests take place to measure motivation and skills (such as the ability to check information quickly and accurately), spatial visualisation, mental arithmetic and short-term memory. Candidates who pass these tests then move to the final assessment stage where they will take part in a group exercise and undergo a final competency based interview. If successful at the final assessment, applicants will then be subject to a medical, security check and references before a final offer is made. Successful applicants then undergo up to 11 months of training at the NATS training college in Bournemouth.
Other training courses are available through Astac Ltd (www.astac.co.uk) and BAE Systems (www.cwmbrancollege.com). The requirements for entry to these courses may vary, but will be similar to the entry for the NATS scheme. Candidates do however have to pay to attend these courses.
Once initial training is complete, NATS trainees are placed in either an ATC centre or an airport unit to continue their training. Trainees from other courses can apply for trainee positions with other air services operators. To become a fully trained air traffic controller takes at least three years.
All air traffic services companies recruit new controllers through their company websites and may also advertise in national newspapers and specialist publications such as ‘Air Traffic Management’ and ‘Flight International’.Go Back
Opportunities
Once an air traffic controller has completed their training to become fully qualified, their training does not end. They must continue to develop their knowledge and keep their skills up-to-date. This means they have the opportunity to receive regular training throughout their careers.Air traffic controllers can progress to larger air traffic control centres and airports, and can also take on supervisor and mentor roles.
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Useful links
Go BackCase Studies
AVIATION - air traffic control officer
See an interview with Robin Hood Airport air traffic control officer Nick Elliott (links to Jobs4U careers database)
View case study (external website)
AVIATION - air traffic controller
Carl Roulston, an air traffic controller at Dundee Airport, speaks about his role.
Download case study document