Air Traffic Controller

Introduction

Air traffic controllers direct the safe movement of aircraft. They maintain radar, radio and visual contact with aircraft to ensure that they approach, land and take-off safely. The work demands a high degree of concentration.

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Work Activities

Air traffic controllers (ATCOs) maintain radio, radar and visual contact with aircraft to ensure their safety during approach, landing, take-off, and when taxiing along the runway.

They provide information about changes in weather conditions or flight patterns and give clear instructions to pilots when they need to change altitude or re-route.

Guiding aircraft through UK airspace and airports is the shared responsibility of three types of ATCOs: area controllers, approach controllers and aerodrome controllers.

Area controllers Area controllers make sure that all aircraft in their airspace sector maintain a safe distance from each other. They use radar and computer systems to do this and also to track individual aircraft and direct them along the most efficient flight path.

Approach controllers As the aircraft gets nearer to the airport (usually within 15-20 miles), approach controllers take over. They give pilots the initial clearance to approach the airport, as well as keeping them informed of runway and weather conditions.

If there is an approach delay, the approach controller may tell the pilot to enter the holding pattern (stack). This is when aircraft circle the airport at different heights, gradually moving down until it is safe to approach the runway. To do this effectively, approach controllers work closely with area radar controllers.

Approach controllers also guide aircraft leaving airports, and keep aerodrome controllers informed about flight arrivals and departures.

Aerodrome controllers Aerodrome controllers work at the top of the control tower in the Visual Control Room (VCR) where they have good all-round vision of the aerodrome. They take over from the approach controller when aircraft are within five miles of touchdown. They direct aircraft on the ground, instruct pilots on which runway to use and make sure that lighting guidance systems are functioning correctly.

At busy airports, there may also be a ground controller who guides the aircraft to its parking stand or holding area.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) provides air traffic control or air traffic management from the following centres - Swanwick (Hampshire), West Drayton (Middlesex), Prestwick (Ayrshire) and Manchester.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Potential Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) should have a strong interest in aviation and aircraft. The work is very pressurised and demands a high level of concentration, as well as the ability to remain calm. You will need to be able to make quick decisions in an emergency and to accept considerable responsibility.

You need good communication skills to give clear instructions to pilots and you must have computer skills.

The ability to work well in a team is essential. It is important to be able to see and think in three dimensions and you will be tested in this skill. Good hearing and clear speech are required. Your colour vision may be tested.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Trainee air traffic controllers (ATCOs) in college earn around £10,000 a year with an additional accommodation allowance. In unit training they earn around £15,000 - £20,000 a year, Experienced ATCOs earn around £46,000 - £49,000 a year. Depending on the unit, ATCOs' pay can reach around £85,000 a year, for the most demanding positions.

ATCOs usually work 35 hours a week, which includes shifts, evenings and weekends, and may be altered at short notice.

ATCOs work at major control centres at Swanwick, Manchester, West Drayton and Prestwick. They also work at the UK's major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City; Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow; and at some military airfields.

Most air traffic controllers are employed by National Air Traffic Services (NATS). Others are employees of privately owned air traffic control companies or airport operators.

Opportunities to work as an ATCO also exist in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

Entry to National Air Traffic Services (NATS) as a trainee air traffic controller is only open to people over the age of 18.

All applicants must pass security clearance prior to starting work.

ATCOs must pass a medical every two years up to age 40, then every year after that.

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