How to become an air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers use top-of-the-range radar and radio equipment to communicate with planes, offering instructions, information and advice to pilots in your airspace. As well as contributing to the aviation industry, you’ll be helping to keep people safe while they travel by ensuring that planes have the space to take off and land, and making pilots aware of any unexpected issues that may affect their journey. There aren’t any degrees in air traffic control specifically, but degrees such as engineering or data management may be useful. 

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What does an air traffic controller do? 

Air traffic controllers have several responsibilities. The exact tasks you’re doing will depend on the type of air traffic controller you become, but typical duties may involve: 

• Handling emergencies, incidents or unscheduled traffic 

• Checking flight paths to find appropriate alternative take-off slots in the event a plane is delayed 

• Discussing operational requirements with pilots and issuing duty schedules 

• Maintaining records of flight progress and departures 

• Checking weather conditions, navigational hazards and landing conditions 

• Directing movement of air vehicles on runways, taxiways and parking bays 

• Directing movement of the craft while it’s in the air to maintain course and minimum distance from other craft 

• Giving landing instructions to pilots and monitoring descent 

• Maintaining contact via radio or radar or ensuring visual contact with aircraft 

• Liaising with other air traffic control centres to direct planes in and out of your airspace 

What’s it like to work as an air traffic controller? 

You’ll typically work between 37 and 45 hours per week, and you can expect to work on shifts, meaning you’ll have to be available to work evenings, nights and weekends. Air traffic control must be staffed 24/7, so you could be working at any time. 

The job carries a lot of responsibility as you’re ensuring that safety measures are followed, and that aircraft are scheduled to take off and land at safe times, as well as ensuring that no issues arise while they’re in the air. You’ll have to stay calm under pressure and be prepared to deal with any incidents that may occur. 

You’ll have to choose an area to receive training in, and it isn’t common to move between them. You could opt to be an approach controller, an aerodrome controller, area controller or armed forces air operation officer. 

What skills do you need to be an air traffic controller? 

There are lots of skills you need to succeed as an air traffic controller. These include: 

• Ability to work well and stay calm under pressure, including emergency situations 

• Able to quickly absorb and process information 

• Planning and organisation 

• Problem solving 

• Spatial awareness 

• Good communication skills 

• Numeracy skills 

• Adaptability and resilience 

• Confident with technology 

• Able to work independently and as a team 

How much does an air traffic controller earn? 

Typically, you’ll earn around £22,000 as a trainee, increasing to around £45,000 once you’re qualified. The exact amount you’ll earn depends on your position, the size of the airport you’re working at and the airport’s location. If you’re in a senior position at a larger airport, you could be earning around £100,000. 

How to become an air traffic controller 

The typical minimum qualifications to become an air traffic controller are GCSEs and A-levels, but it can also be useful to have a degree. As well as your academic qualifications, you’ll have to undergo specialist training and pass a medical and security check.  

Study an engineering degree 

An undergraduate degree isn’t essential to become an air traffic controller, but it can be useful. Studying a subject such as engineering will develop your understanding of how aircraft works and will also ensure you develop your numeracy and data skills. Typically, undergraduate courses last for a minimum of three years. You may be able to do a four-year course with a year of work experience with NATS (National Air Traffic Services). NATS also offer a graduate scheme. Typically, you’ll need at least 96 UCAS points to undertake an engineering degree. You may also consider courses such as data management which will also equip you with useful transferable skills. 

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Degree apprenticeships or traineeships 

With a degree apprenticeship, you’ll be working while you’re studying. Typically, you’ll work four days a week for an employer, who will fund your education, and you’ll study one day per week. As well as your employer paying for your degree, you’ll be paid a salary. You can find opportunities like these with Find an Apprenticeship. Normally, you’ll need A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications to take this route. 

You can also apply to be a trainee with NATS. To become a trainee, you’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher, including English and maths. The initial NATS training takes up to one year and you’ll need to relocate to Fareham in Hampshire to undertake the training. After you’ve completed training, you could be working at any UK airport, but you’ll likely be required to continue training in post.