Air Traffic Controller Is The Backbone Of Aviation Safety

Air traffic controllers are superheroes in the aviation industry. Not many know about them but the service they do is immense. Without them, our airspace would not be safe or efficient ever. Since I work as a Flight Operation Officer, I could work closely with these unsung heroes for years. And I have seen how critical of a job they do to manage our skies. So, I will discuss all the things you need to know about air traffic controller in this article.

Air traffic controller types

You might not know this, but air traffic controllers literally control our airspace. Every airport you enter, every flight you board, and even anything that comes up while you are in space, air traffic controller controls them. They work 24/7 to fulfill only one goal. To make sure everyone travels efficiently and safely in the airspace. They coordinate aircraft movement, ensure there are safe distances between planes, and manage air traffic flow. Isn’t that so much work? It is. That is why the workload has been divided between different air traffic controller types. Let’s look at some of those types of air traffic controller first.

Tower controllers

These controllers work in control towers at airports. They manage aircraft on the ground and near the airport. Let’s look at their main duties.

• Ground control – They manage aircraft movement on taxiways and runways.
• Local control (air control) – Oversee aircraft takeoffs and landings.
• Flight data/Clearance delivery – Handle flight information and clearances for pilots before departure.

Approach and departure controllers

Approach and departure controllers are also called terminal controllers. These controllers work in approach control facilities. They manage aircraft as they enter and exit the airspace around an airport. Let’s look at their responsibilities.

• Approach control – Guide aircraft as they approach the airport for landing. Pilots get instructions for safe sequencing and spacing between arriving flights from them.
• Departure control – Assist aircraft as they depart from the airport. They coordinate with tower controllers to give a smooth transition from ground to en route airspace.
• Collaborate with other en route controllers and tower controllers.

En route controllers

En route controllers are also called area controllers. These controllers serve the flights during the cruise phase. Let’s look at their duties.

• Track aircraft’s position, speed, and altitude within their sector using radar and communication systems.
• Issue clearances and instructions to pilots to maintain safe separation between aircraft. They also manage air traffic flow.

Each of these types of air traffic controller has specialized roles and responsibilities. I have seen by myself how they use their expertise and coordination to navigate aircraft safely and efficiently from takeoff to landing. Let’s see the air traffic controller career path from trainees to specialists next.

Air traffic controller career path

Becoming an air traffic controller is not an easy job. But it is not impossible. And once you could achieve this great feat, the rewards you will be getting are immense. You get both tangible rewards like higher salaries and exclusive benefits and intangible rewards like a highly demanding job, satisfaction, and joy. But you need three main things to get there. They have the right education, training, and experience. What education and training are required to become an air traffic controller? Let’s find out.

Air traffic controller journey

Becoming an air traffic controller is a unique journey. Let’s see where you can start it and end it.

Education

Air traffic collegiate training initiative

This is a common route. The federal aviation administration (FAA) approves this program. And you can attend the program from various colleges and universities across the country. But before you enter an AT-CTI program, you should ensure you meet the following FAA’s air traffic controller requirements.

• Being a United States citizen.
• Don’t be older than 31 years old when you are first hired
• Pass a background check and an extensive medical exam.

Work experience

Relevant experience

If you have three years of responsible work experience in a related field, you can still be an air traffic controller. In this process, you can combine this experience with education to meet the requirements.

Military experience

Are you a veteran with air traffic control experience? Then you can transition to a civilian air traffic control career.

FAA academy

Training

Getting trained at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City is a must for all the air traffic control. You get classroom instruction and hands-on simulation training during this program.

Certification

After completing the FAA Academy, you must pass exams and get certification. Then you can start working as an air traffic controller.

You will spend 3-4 years to complete pre-employment qualifications. Then, after you get a job, you need to spend 2-4 months in faa training. After that, you will spend another 1.5-3 years in on-the-job training before you get certified from the faa.

Best path to become an air traffic controller

What is the best path to become an air traffic controller? My fellow air traffic controller colleagues think it is getting an associate or bachelor’s degree from an faa-certified air traffic control training program. Why? Because these programs prepare you for necessary exams and rigorous training you need to become a certified air traffic controller.

Unique air traffic control skills

What skills do you need to be an air traffic controller? Let’s look at some of the must-have skills you need to become an air traffic controller.

Communication

Although it isn’t mentioned among requirements, clear and effective communication is a must for air traffic controllers. Why? Since you constantly convey instructions and information to pilots and other controllers, what you communicate must be accurate and efficient.

Multitasking

You must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. While at work, you have to monitor radar screens, communicate with pilots, coordinate with other controllers, and do other crucial tasks all at the same time.

Quick decision-making

People’s lives are in your hands, so you need to make quick and decisive decisions. You must assess situations rapidly and make informed decisions.

Be aware of the present situation all the time

If you lose it, you can’t track multiple aircraft nor anticipate potential conflicts.

Stress management

Air traffic control is a very stressful job. But you must remain calm and focused under pressure to do a great job and ensure everyone’s safety.

Is it difficult to get hired as an air traffic controller?

Yes, it is very difficult. It is because of two main reasons. They have higher demand and a competitive application and training process. You have to go through aptitude, psychological, and physical assessments and pass them all. Very small applicant percentage successfully come out as air traffic controllers out of the academy.

Responsibilities of air traffic controllers

Let’s look at the key tasks and responsibilities air traffic controllers handle.

Communicate with pilots

Like I said before, air traffic controllers maintain clear and effective communication with pilots. They instruct pilots on altitude changes, flight routes, speed adjustments, and any necessary deviations. They also relay important information like weather conditions, runway closures, and air traffic congestion.

Air traffic management

In air traffic control, controllers have airspaces assigned to them. They monitor and manage air traffic flow in that airspace using radar and other surveillance systems. They track aircraft positions, detect potential conflicts, and maintain safe separation between aircraft. Additionally, they make decisions on aircraft sequencing and spacing to ensure efficient traffic flow and minimize delays.

Safety assurance

Air traffic controller’s primary responsibility is ensuring aircraft and passengers safety. So, they monitor their airspace for potential hazards 24/7. Whether it is other aircraft, weather conditions, or obstacles, they are always aware of it and take action when necessary. They also guide pilots to prevent collisions or conflicts.

Ground control

Not only space movements, but air traffic controllers also manage aircraft’s ground movements in taxiways and runways. They give clearances for takeoff and landing and ensure aircraft depart and arrive safely.

Assist pilots

We cannot say when the next emergency or other problematic situation will come up. But air traffic controllers are ready for that too. They give critical information and instructions to pilots in these situations and help them navigate aircraft safely.

Report to authorities

Formalizing aerial traffic related reports also goes to air traffic controller’s shoulders. They document incidents, near misses, equipment malfunctions, communication issues, or other events that could potentially affect safety, so those problems can be investigated and improved operations later.

Working hours

What are the typical working hours for air traffic controllers? Most air traffic controllers work full time. Some may work extra hours. They cannot work more than 10 hours straight. They must have at least nine hours between shifts. If they work for larger facilities with round-the-clock operations, they might work nights, weekends, or on a rotation.

The pros and cons of being an air traffic controller

What are the benefits of working as an air traffic controller? What are the lows? My family members, friends, and other atc enthusiasts always ask these two questions when they ask about air traffic control from me. Now I will share answers to them with you too.

Benefits of being an air traffic controller

Job stability

Air traffic controllers have stable jobs. By now you know how important their work is. So, controllers have a steady demand.

Good earning potential

Air traffic controllers earn well. Their median annual wage was $137,380 in 2023, so they generally earn a good salary.

Financial stability

Controllers receive excellent benefits aside from the high pay. They get more benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Because of these benefits, controllers stay financially stable.

Satisfaction

Controllers know how their work impacts passenger and crew safety. That is a great motivator for them to work consistently in those stressed and tired moments.

Work indoors

Controllers typically work in control towers or radar rooms. They have kitchens, toilets, and sometimes even a full bathroom. (in case there are night shifts) They can work comfortably and get protected from bad weather.

Early retirement

Many controllers can retire early. Their mandatory retirement age is 56. Or they can retire after 20 years of service at age 50+. And they get a full pension. Like that, they get a long and secure retirement.

Disadvantages of being an air traffic controller

High stress levels

Like I said before, this is a very stressful job. Controllers have to focus constantly and pay attention to detail. Even if they make a minor mistake, it can have serious and bigger consequences. Because of this stress, they burn out often and get other mental health issues.

Demanding work schedules

As I mentioned, controllers often work irregular hours, like nights, weekends, and holidays. Since they have to work in operations 24/7, they must be available all the time. This can disrupt their work-life balance.

Constant evaluation

Since controllers have to meet high standards in atc they frequently get evaluated. This constant scrutiny adds to their stress and pressure.

Challenging training and education

Controllers have to go through rigorous training and get a demanding education to become an air traffic controller. Sometimes they even have to pay a higher tuition and living costs to attend atc schools.

What are some famous air traffic controller stories?

Because of their critical job air traffic controllers have always played important roles in aviation history. Let’s look at some of those famous stories.

The SR-71 Blackbird and Concorde incident

During the Cold War, former air traffic controller Pete Clarke faced an unforgettable incident with an SR-71 Blackbird and a Concorde supersonic airliner. Let’s introduce these two planes a bit. The Concorde was a British-French passenger jet. SR-71 Blackbird was a U.S. Air Force spy plane. What would happen if these two planes met face to face at that time? That is exactly what happened, but no one thought it would end like this. So, one day, the Concorde was on a conflicting route with the SR-71 Blackbird.

Clarke saw the potential danger. He requested vertical separation to keep both planes safe. He radioed the SR-71 crew, informing them that a Concorde was operating westbound on a conflicting route at 60,000 feet. To ensure safety, he required a vertical separation of 4,000 feet. Do I have it? he asked. The SR-71 crew complied and adjusted their altitude to avoid a collision. Thanks to air traffic control, no one was hurt that day.

9/11 attack

September 11, 2001, was a dark day for all the Americans. Not only for people, but also air traffic controllers faced unprecedented crises when terrorists hijacked multiple aircraft. The day turned chaotic when four terror attacks happened in the skies. Hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings in New York City and Washington, D.C. Fourth plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field.

Controllers had to make quick, tough decisions to keep the skies safe. Within the first four minutes, they guided 700 aircraft to land. Over 4,500 aircraft landed safely within three hours. The FAA issued the first national ground stop in history and stopped all civilian aircraft departures. By 12:16 PM, three-and-a-half hours after the first plane hit, the airspace was clear of commercial and private flights.

Conclusion

Air traffic controllers are the backbone of air travel. Without their tireless work, no one would be able to air travel safely or efficiently ever. Their expertise, dedication, and unique skill set make them crucial to the aviation industry. So, when people ask me, is air traffic control a good career choice? I say, of course it is. The pay is good, the benefits are good, and there is a high demand. If you are choosing this path, you are choosing to live your dream life. But you need to have a strong will and courage to pass the obstacles in the way. Remember, if you believe in yourself, then no one can stop you from becoming an air traffic controller.