Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers control air traffic in and within the vicinity of the airport, and the movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centres, according to established procedures and policies. They authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
An air traffic controller’s job responsibilities vary from informing pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of the wind, or visibility problems to issuing landing and take-off authorizations or instructions. Moreover, they transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centres and accept control of arriving flights. They are authorised to provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots travelling in bad weather or emergencies. Furthermore, they also alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency and difficult situations.
How to become an air traffic controller in India? Candidate needs to graduate in engineering or technology in the disciplines of electronics, telecommunication or information or hold an M.Sc degree in physics/maths/computer science or electronics. Candidates who clear the ATC exam are provided one year of training at an aircraft controller school. Starting an air traffic controller salary in India is quite handsome.
To be successful in an air traffic controller’s job, one must have strong eyesight and colour vision, the ability to concentrate for extended periods and always be ready to solve problems. They should possess good spatial awareness and coordination. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are always desirable.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Tech Electronics Engineering
- B.E. Electronics Engineering
- B.E. Telecommunications Engineering
- B.Tech Electronics Engineering
- B.Tech Telecommunications Engineering
Tasks
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
- Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
Progression Routes
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