Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers ensure that aircraft fly safely and efficiently through UK airspace. They guide and advise pilots at take off, during the flight, as they approach the airport and when they land. They are sometimes called air traffic control officers (ATCOs).

The Work

You could be:

• using radar to make sure all aircraft are a safe distance apart


• using radio to give instructions and advice to pilots


• getting position reports from pilots


• using computers to check flight plans and make calculations


• making decisions based on types of aircraft and weather conditions


• dealing with changes in flight plans due to bad weather conditions, security alerts or other emergencies.

• responsible for aircraft flying in a particular piece of airspace


• keeping in constant radio contact with the pilots flying there.

• putting aircraft into the correct sequence for landing


• guiding pilots while they land the aircraft


• linking them to the guidance system for automatic landing when weather conditions are poor.

• guiding taxiing aircraft to parking stands after they land


• guiding aircraft to runways and ensuring safe take-off.

Conditions

• You might work for National Air Traffic Services (NATS), an individual airport, aircraft manufacturer, local authority or the Royal Air Force.


• You would work in an area control centre or a control tower.


• You would sit in front of a radar screen or computer.


• You would have to wear a headset.


• You would be required to work shifts, including night shifts.


• You would also have to work weekends and public holidays.

Getting In

There are around 2,500 Air Traffic Controllers and Air Traffic Assistants employed by NATS. The main centre within Scotland is at Prestwick Airport.

• To enter as a trainee with NATS, you must be over 18 and have at least 5 Standard grades, including English and maths.


• Entry requirements for other employers vary; some recruit only fully qualified and experienced controllers, whilst others ask for at least 3 Highers as well as the Standard grades.


• Candidates with fewer qualifications may get in if they have experience in military flying, military air traffic control or commercial flying.
• NATS recruit on an ongoing basis for courses starting in April/May, July/August, October/November and February every year. You can apply using the online application form on their careers website (see below).
• Although you can say where you would prefer to be posted you must be ready to work in any part of the country.
• You will have a medical examination and will need good eyesight and normal colour vision together with good hearing and good general health. You will have medical examination every two years up to the age of 40, then annually.


• You will attend a selection day which will include a variety of relevant tests, followed by a final interview stage.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• responsible


• alert


• logical


• quick thinking and flexible


• decisive


• able to see and think in three dimensions (spatially aware)


• interested in advances in technology
• prepared to work shifts.

• good concentration over long periods


• the ability to stay calm under pressure


• the ability to communicate clearly and effectively


• a clear speaking voice


• quick reactions to new and unexpected situations.

Training

• Training for NATS staff is at the College of Aircraft Control in Bournemouth and includes practical experience at airports and air traffic centres. It is salaried and lasts for around 11 months for Area Trainees and Terminal Control Trainees, and between 6 and 9 months for Aerodrome or Approach Trainees.


• A considerable amount of legislation has to be learned during training so be prepared to do plenty of study in your own time.


• Further training is on-the-job at a NATS centre as an air traffic controller (training and development).
• It usually takes 2 to 3 years to become a licensed ATCO.

Getting On

• After several years of suitable experience, you might gain promotion as an operational watch supervisor, overseeing and monitoring the work of other ATCOs.


• You can also become a trainer of new ATCOs.


• There may be some opportunities to work overseas.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

The main centres for work in air traffic control are:

• Prestwick


• Heathrow (West Drayton)


• Manchester (relocating to Prestwick in 2010)


• Swanwick (near Southampton).

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.