Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers (ATCOs), issue instructions, advice and information by radio to pilots to keep air traffic flying safely, efficiently and quickly. They must be prepared to deal with any situation that arises, such as changing flight plans, bad weather conditions, security alerts or unscheduled traffic entering the airspace.

During the en-route stage of a flight, ATCOs use radar and the latest computer technology to track an aircraft's exact position, to keep traffic separated in flight, and to give pilots the most efficient route to their destination. Approach controllers take over contact with pilots as they approach an airport, guiding and sequencing aircraft into the most efficient order for landing. Aerodrome controllers then guide pilots in for a safe landing. They also make sure that departing aircraft get from the stands to the runways and take off safely.

Much of an ATCO's working time is spent using radar, radio equipment and computers for communicating and collecting data.

Entry level
Entry requirements vary according to the employer. For National Air Traffic Services, the main employer, you should have at least two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

After applying, you would normally be invited to a selection day and have the chance to talk to an experienced air traffic controller. Various tests would take place to measure skills such as the ability to check information quickly and accurately, spatial visualisation, mental arithmetic and short-term memory. If successful, you would move to the final interview stage for further tests. Before a job offer is made, you must obtain medical and security clearance.

Some people enter an air traffic control career after gaining experience in a related area such as military air traffic control, commercial or military flying, or civil or military air assistance roles.

Making the grade
Initial training takes place at the College of Air Traffic Control, next to Bournemouth International Airport, and lasts between 6 and 15 months, depending on the selected discipline, during which time you would be paid.

Following graduation from the college, you would go to an operational unit, such as Swanwick, and work alongside an air traffic controller to gain practical training and a qualification. This training period can last approximately 18 months.

With several years' experience it is possible to oversee air traffic controllers as an operational watch supervisor. Alternatively, you can apply to become a trainer of new air traffic controllers.

Personal qualities
As an air traffic controller, you would need a calm and efficient manner, together with good communication skills to speak clearly and authoritatively to pilots. You must well under pressure, demonstrate good spatial vision, and understand complicated data.

Because of the intense nature of the work, much of it sitting at radar screens and computer displays, you would need a high level of concentration and the ability to stay alert for sustained periods.

Looking ahead
There are over 2,500 air traffic controllers in the UK, and opportunities are increasing. The majority of them (around 80%) are employed by National Air Traffic Services, which provides air traffic control services to aircraft flying in UK airspace, and over the eastern part of the North Atlantic. NATS provides en-route air traffic management from its centres at Swanwick in Hampshire, West Drayton in Middlesex, Manchester and Prestwick in Ayrshire. NATS also provides airport air traffic control services at 14 of the nation's major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

Some air traffic controllers work for privately owned air traffic control companies, and some for the Royal Air Force.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include air traffic controller in the armed forces, airline pilot, Royal Air Force Officer or other posts in civil aviation.

Take-home pay
A starting salary for a trainee air traffic controller is about £20,000 a year, rising to around £40,000 to £45,000 when fully qualified. With experience, this salary could increase to £76,000 plus.

Effects
A typical working week may be between 37 and 40 hours. Airports operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you must be prepared to work on a shift system including nights, weekends and public holidays. Generally, a shift lasts eight hours but you would work for approximately one and a half hours at a time, after which you must take a half-hour break.

Sources of information
National Air Traffic Services: www.nats.co.uk/text/9/careers_training.html
GoSkills: www.goskills.org
Royal Aeronautical Society: www.aerosociety.com

CRCI: WA