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Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers maintain the safe movement of aircraft along major air routes and around airports. They give pilots instructions and advice as to a plane’s height, speed and course. Most are area controllers responsible for keeping aircraft flying the airways. Others work as approach controllers dealing with aircraft moving in and out of the airport, or aerodrome controllers guiding aircraft through landing and to the terminal.
Air Traffic Controllers
Tasks include:
• receiving information from flight plans, pilot reports, radar and observations
• directing aircraft and managing aircraft traffic flows
• advising pilots on weather conditions and the status of facilities
• giving pilots permission to take off, land, and to change altitude and direction
• giving airport workers permission to move around the tarmac and runway
• monitoring aircraft on a radar and looking for possible conflicts
• checking navigation equipment
• communicating with pilots, air traffic controllers and other airport professionals
• alerting airport fire crew and rescue services in emergencies
• handling unexpected events, emergencies and unscheduled traffic.
Approach Controllers
Approach controllers are based at a control centre or an airport tower. They guide aircraft into the most efficient order for landing. This includes dealing with instrument landing systems that allow some planes to make automatic landings and placing planes in holding patterns when airports are busy.
Aerodrome Controllers
Aerodrome controllers take over to guide the aircraft through landing and to its parking stand at the terminal. Their roles may be further sub-divided into air control and ground control at very busy airports.
Skills and knowledge
Air traffic controllers need to have:
• knowledge about flight planning, navigation
• organisational skills and the ability to prioritise, plan and make decisions
• the ability to solve problems quickly and effectively in a busy environment
• understanding of civil aviation laws
• an understanding of safety rules and emergency procedures
• good spatial and mathematical skills
• a good short-term memory
• communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
Personal qualities
You need to be:
• able to work well under pressure
• able to think quickly and remain calm in all situations
• mature, responsible and conscientious
• adaptable and confident.
Career progression
New air traffic controllers usually work at a regional control tower where they gain experience before seeking positions in international towers or radar centres. With experience, there are also opportunities to pursue a range of related specialist and management roles.
