Thinking of becoming an air traffic controller?
Aviation is a global, growing business. In the next 15 years the number of aircraft in the sky is expected to double and the demand for controllers will have to rise to keep pace. No matter where you are in the world the same basic rules apply to keeping aircraft apart and ensuring the world’s airports and airways are as clear as possible. In Europe there is a single licence for pilots – and there will soon be one for controllers. And controllers who have qualified in Europe may soon be able to transport their skills anywhere in the world.
How air traffic management works Controllers work for Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs) who manage airport operations and airspace within – and sometime beyond - national boundaries.
ANSPs ensure flying remains the safest form of transport. They rely on a network of navigational aids, radars, radio stations and computers linked and supported by technical and software engineers.
Controllers are trained to work with pilots and other controllers to maintain safe and efficient operations in the air and on the ground. Their job is to: -prevent collisions between aircraft in the air
-prevent collisions between aircraft and obstacles on the ground
-ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
How to become an air traffic controller Most ANSPs recruit, select and train new controllers in-house. Your application will have to meet with certain formal requirements (education level, age bracket, state-of-health and so on).
You will need certain skills - like the ability to make fast and correct decisions, to keep a three-dimensional picture in your head and to cooperate with colleagues on the ground and in the air.
It takes between two and five years to become a licensed controller. The first part of the course involves institutional training, mainly theory and simulations. Then you will train with live traffic at an operational unit. This could be an airport control tower – which manages traffic on the airport apron, taxiways and runways - an approach control unit - dealing with air traffic into and out of an airport - or an en-route control center - managing traffic between airports. This “live” controller training takes place under the close supervision of an experienced controller and lasts up to two years, depending on your location.
After a successful completion of the On-the-Job part of you training you will be awarded an air traffic controller’s licence and your career is cleared for take-off.
Payment scales vary - but controllers are generally considered to be well paid.
Want to learn more? Click on an ANSP link below and you will find out more about becoming a controller. You might find some of this information will be in the national language of the ANSP - but several give details in English. Some of the sites give you the chance to try out a selection test for yourself and others give you the opportunity to control simulated air traffic.
Our ANSP members are looking forward to hearing from you!
Look here for careers with our ANSP members here