air traffic controller

The work
Air traffic controllers keep air traffic flying safely and efficiently. They help pilots to take off and land safely, and
make sure that planes are kept a safe distance apart.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for a particular section of airspace. They are in frequent radio contact with
pilots flying over their section, giving them instructions, advice and information. Air traffic controllers have
different duties according to where they are based.

Area controllers are based away from airports at control centres. They direct planes in flight and give them the
most efficient route to their destination. Using radar and computer technology they can track the exact position of
each aircraft. They also use radar to keep traffic separated in the air. Most air traffic controllers work as area
controllers.

Approach controllers take over as the aircraft approaches the airport. They are responsible for deciding when and
where each plane should land, and guiding them into the most efficient order.

Aerodrome controllers look after the plane as it comes into the airport. They guide it to a safe landing and into a
parking stand. In very busy airports, they could be either air controllers, who look after the plane during landing, or
ground controllers, who take over once it has touched down. Aerodrome controllers also guide aircraft during take-
off, seeing them safely from the parking stands onto the runway and into the air.

Air traffic controllers also respond to distress calls - for example, if light aircraft pilots lose their way, controllers
give them information about their exact position.

Hours and Environment

Air traffic controllers work shifts, covering days, nights, weekends and public holidays. During shifts, they can
guide several aircraft for up to one and a half hours, followed by a half-hour break between each session.

They spend most of their working time sitting at a workstation using computers, radar displays and radio equipment
to gather and interpret data, communicating with pilots through a headset.

Skills and Interests

To be an air traffic controller you should:
 be able to work under pressure
 be calm and clear thinking
 be able to solve problems and make decisions quickly
 be able to give clear spoken instructions to pilots
 be confident with technology
 be able to absorb information from different sources
 be able to check information quickly and accurately
 be good at mental arithmetic
 have good spatial vision
 have a good short-term memory
 have a mature outlook, be flexible and a good team-worker.

Entry
You should be at least 18 and under 30 at the time you apply. Applicants over 30 may be considered if they have
relevant aviation experience, either as military air traffic controllers, civil or military assistants, or have military or
commercial flying experience.

You should have five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), and have completed a period of study at a higher level, such as
two A levels, an Advanced GNVQ or the equivalent, or be in your final year of study.
For details of qualification equivalents see:
 Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
 Scottish Qualifications Authority
You must be eligible to work in the UK.
The selection process includes one day of testing, two interviews and a computer assessment. This will take place at
one of the test centres around the UK. The tests are designed to measure skills such as the ability to check
information quickly and accurately, spatial visualisation, mental arithmetic and short-term memory. There are also
qusetionnaires to gauge personality, learning style and motivation.
Security clearance, medical checks and references will be sought before the training programme begins. You will
need a good standard of health, normal colour vision and full hearing. All air traffic controllers have to pass a
thorough medical examination every two years until the age of 40, and every year after that.
Candidates should check with the National Air Traffic Services for further details.

Training
Training takes place at the College of Air Traffic Control, next to Bournemouth International Airport. Courses start
in January, April, July and October and last 18 months, during which time you receive a salary. The course
combines classroom instruction and practical exercises. High-tech computer simulators recreate real air traffic
situations for practical training. Your progress is monitored by continuous assessment and you must pass every part
of the course to be allowed to continue.

If you successfully complete the college course, you will be posted to an operational unit to work as a trainee air
traffic controller. As a trainee, you work towards qualifying as an operational air traffic control officer (ATCO).
After a few years more experience, you could apply to take a five-year non-operational secondment, training and
assessing prospective new air traffic controllers. Another route is to become an Operational Watch Supervisor in
charge of other ATCOs.

Opportunities
There are around 2,500 air traffic controllers in the UK. Around 2,000 are employed by the National Air Traffic
Services (NATS), the rest are employed directly by airport operators.

Some air traffic controllers work in control towers at airports, but most are based in control centres. The area control
centre at Prestwick, near Glasgow deals with flights in Scottish airspace and parts of the North Atlantic. A new
control centre at Swanwick has taken over control of airspace in England and Wales. It is the biggest and most
advanced air traffic centre in the world. Around 800 air traffic controllers, engineers and other skilled staff are based
there.

Opportunities exist with the Royal Air Force.

Promotion is available to operational watch supervisor, supervising other air traffic controllers.

Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A trainee air traffic controller earns around £26,000.

Air traffic control officers earn between £33,000 and £35,000.
Supervisors and senior controllers earn around £60,000.

Further information
National Air Traffic Services Ltd
Recruitment and Selection
Mailbox 15B
LACC
Sopwith Way
Swanwick
Hampshire
SO31 7AY
Tel: 01489 612157
www.nats.co.uk

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning advisor at the learndirect advice line, call 0800 100
900 or use our online enquiry form.
Outlook: Growth
last updated: Tue, 12 Oct 2004
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