Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers ensure the safe and orderly movement of aircraft. They do this by using a combination of radar, radio and visual contact with aircraft to ensure that they approach, land, take off and cruise safely. The work demands a high degree of concentration.

Work activities

Air traffic controllers (ATCOs) give instructions, information and advice to pilots by radio throughout their journey. They maintain radar and visual contact with aircraft to ensure their safety during approach, landing, take-off, and when taxiing around the airport. ATCOs respond to changing flight patterns and weather conditions, by giving clear instructions to the aircraft in their area. Guiding aircraft through UK airspace and airports is the shared responsibility of area controllers, approach controllers and aerodrome controllers. ATCOs can be based at airports (such as Heathrow) or at an Area Control Centre. The UK has two Area Centres, one at Swanwick, near Southampton and the other at Prestwick in Scotland. There are three different disciplines within air traffic control.

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 direct aircraft on the ground, instruct pilots on which runways to use and make sure that lighting guidance systems are functioning correctly. They also guide departing aircraft from the parking stand to the runway and monitor take-off. At very busy airports, the job of the aerodrome controller is split between air controllers and ground controllers.

As the aircraft gets nearer to the airport (usually within 15-20 miles), approach controllers take over. They give the pilot 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 controller may tell the pilot to enter the ‘stack’ or holding pattern. This means that the aircraft circles the air at different heights, gradually moving down until it is safe for it 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.

Area/terminal controllers give pilots the most efficient route to their destination. They make sure that all aircraft using the UK airspace route network maintain a safe distance from each other, both horizontally and vertically. They use radar to do this, which shows a constantly updating picture of where aircraft are in relation to each other.

Personal qualities and skills

To do well in this career, you’ll need:

A strong interest in aviation and air traffic control.
The ability to think in 3D.
Strong concentration skills.
The ability to remain calm under pressure.
IT and maths skills.
The ability to make quick decisions in emergencies, give accurate instructions and accept considerable responsibility.

Good hearing and clear speech are required. Your colour vision will be tested. Contact lenses and glasses are allowed under certain circumstances.

The following future skills shortages have been identified:

Communication skills.
Customer service skills.
IT skills.
Safety/accident management skills.

Pay and opportunities

Trainee air traffic controllers (ATCOs) trainee will earn £18,000 per year, rising to £43,000 with experience. Shift bonuses are common. You can expect to work between 35 to 45 hours per week.

Demand for ATCOs is steady but competition for places is strong as this is a popular industry to enter.

Most air traffic controllers are employed by National Air Traffic Services (NATS). Others are employees of aeroplane manufacturers, airport owners and local authorities. Opportunities to work as an ATCO also exist in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service, in aviation magazines such as Flight International, and on the Flight Global and NATS websites.

Entry routes and training

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) runs a training scheme for air traffic control trainees. The initial training takes one year and includes theoretical learning and training in a simulated environment, followed by a period of on-the-job training. Assessment is continuous. Personality and aptitude tests, together with the interview, are important parts of the selection procedure. Initial training is in Fareham, Hampshire.

Alternatively, you could take a level 5 (higher) apprenticeship in this role. You will learn predominantly on the job, studying towards qualifications to support you in your work.

A few years after qualifying as an Operational ATCO, you can do a five-year secondment to qualify to train and assess new ATCOs. Or you can become an operational watch supervisor, in charge of other ATCOs.

Qualifications

For entry to a National Air Traffic Services (NATS) training scheme, the minimum requirement is five GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

To do the higher apprenticeship, you’ll need two A levels as well as GCSEs. Relevant vocational qualifications are usually considered. Entrants with a higher education qualification, which included maths or technical elements, could be at an advantage. Applicants must be over 18 at the time of application.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation – you must be 18 to begin training.

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.

Related careers

Air traffic services assistant
Airline pilot
Armed forces pilot
CCTV operator
Coastguard watch officer
Flight dispatcher
Helicopter pilot - commercial
Meteorologist
RAF airman/woman