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Air traffic controller

Air traffic controller - overview

As an air traffic controller, you’ll be calm under pressure and able to use your considerable training and communication skills to guide pilots on their journey. Learn more about a career in air traffic control, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get the role.

Learn what the role involves below.

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What does an air traffic controller do?

A role in air traffic control typically means you’ll be using complicated radar and radio equipment to communicate instructions, information, and advice to pilots.

Working in a team, tasks vary depending on which type of controller you decide to become. For example, area controllers support aircrafts flying at high altitudes. Other types of controllers include approach controllers, aerodrome controllers and RAF air operations control officers.

It's incredibly rewarding and mentally challenging role. You’ll monitor data on things like weather conditions, distances between planes and instruct aircraft on when to climb and descend. Shift work is needed to make sure the control centre is manned 24 hours a day.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

  • Dealing with emergencies, unscheduled traffic and other issues
  • Discussing operational requirements with pilots
  • Providing shift schedules for flight deck and cabin crew
  • Keeping records of flight progress and authorising flight departures
  • Calculating fuel use and optimum flying heights
  • Mapping routes and preparing flight plans for pilots
  • Checking weather conditions, hazards, landing conditions, seating arrangements, loading of cargo, fuel and other supplies
  • Directing aircraft and vehicles on runways

FAQs

How much can you earn as an air traffic controller?

The average salary for an air traffic controller in the UK is £95,680. Graduates start at around £36,500.

Does an advertising director role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Travelling for work is uncommon as an air traffic controller unless you decide to work overseas permanently.

Can you work from home as an air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers are not able to work from home due to the nature of the job.

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