What is an Air Traffic Controller and How to Become One?

Air traffic controllers are specialized professionals who regulate air traffic at airports and airfields, ensure the safe landings and takeoffs of aircraft, prevent airspace conflicts, and ensure flight safety. Air traffic controllers, who play this critical role, perform a profession that requires complex training and constant vigilance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Managing Flight Plans: Air traffic controllers play a crucial role in determining aircraft routes and creating flight plans appropriate to these routes. Controllers working in air traffic control towers or control centers coordinate incoming and outgoing flights.
Directing Landings and Takeoffs: Controllers orchestrate the safe landings and takeoffs of aircraft. They ensure the safe use of runways and ensure that aircraft maintain a safe distance from each other during takeoff and landing.
Managing Air Traffic Flow: Air traffic controllers ensure the safe travel of aircraft within an airspace. They regulate traffic to prevent aircraft from approaching or colliding with each other. Emergency Management: In emergencies such as engine failures, adverse weather conditions, or other hazards, air traffic controllers respond quickly and effectively and implement emergency procedures.
Radio Communication: Controllers communicate effectively with aircraft and other air traffic control units. Clear and accurate radio communication is critical to ensuring air traffic safety.
Monitoring Meteorological Information: Air traffic controllers continuously monitor meteorological conditions and communicate this information to pilots, promoting safe flights.

Training and Skills

Special Training and Certifications: Air traffic controllers often undergo specialized training and are required to hold specific certifications. These certifications are issued by local civil aviation authorities.

Coordination and Attention: Controllers must possess quick thinking and careful coordination skills to manage air traffic in real-time.

Stress Management: Air traffic controllers, who often work in a stressful and intense environment, must develop stress coping skills and a calm state of mind.

Good Communication Skills: Controllers must have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively via radio. Good language skills and communication skills are crucial.

How to Become an Air Traffic Controller?

Obtaining the Required Qualifications

Certain qualifications are essential to becoming an air traffic controller. These qualifications are generally considered:

At least a high school diploma.

Good language skills and strong communication skills.

Proficiency in math and science.

The ability to work effectively under stress.
Having good eye health and color vision.

Receiving Air Traffic Control Training: Air traffic control training is received through programs established by private aviation training institutions or civil aviation authorities. This training process generally consists of several stages:

Theoretical Training: This stage provides theoretical knowledge on basic aviation principles, air traffic management, meteorology, navigation, and communications. These courses are usually supplemented by classroom instruction and simulations.

Simulator Training: Air traffic control simulators help candidates gain practical skills. They simulate real-world flight situations by working on different scenarios.

Practical Field Training: Candidates receive hands-on training in the field at air traffic control towers or centers. They develop their practical skills by gaining experience with real-world flight traffic.

Certification: Candidates who successfully complete air traffic control training are eligible to receive an air traffic control certificate from their local civil aviation authorities. The certification process is based on successful completion of the training and exams.

Job Application: After obtaining certification, air traffic controller candidates can apply to relevant institutions such as airports, airfields, or air traffic control centers. Job applications typically involve interviews, written exams, and simulation tests.

Continuing Education

Air traffic controllers must maintain their skills by keeping up with technological advancements and participating in up-to-date training. Continuing education helps air traffic controllers stay current and ensure flight safety.

The process of becoming an air traffic controller involves a complex and intensive training process, but it ensures the development of qualified professionals responsible for regulating air traffic and ensuring flight safety.

Air Traffic Controller Salaries

Air traffic controller salaries can vary depending on the country of employment, their experience level, their location, and the institution they serve. Furthermore, because air traffic controllers are typically employed by government or civil aviation authorities, salary levels vary from country to country.

Turkey

Air traffic controller salaries in Türkiye can vary depending on their level of experience and the size of the airport they work at. The average salary for an entry-level air traffic controller is typically around €30,000.

United States

In the United States, salaries for air traffic controllers employed by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) vary depending on experience level and the size of the assigned control tower. An entry-level controller’s salary is typically between $60,000 and $80,000 per year as of 2023.

European Union Countries

Air traffic controller salaries in European Union countries can vary significantly from country to country. Generally, air traffic controllers in EU countries earn higher salaries. An entry-level controller’s salary typically averages between €40,000 and €60,000 per year.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, air traffic controllers are typically employed by the National Air Traffic Services (NATS). Salaries can vary depending on experience level and assigned duties. An entry-level controller’s salary typically averages between £30,000 and £40,000 per year.

The salaries listed are general estimates, and actual salaries may vary depending on location, experience level, and local economic factors. Additionally, air traffic controllers often have the opportunity to increase their salary through overtime, bonuses, and additional benefits.

Is Being an Air Traffic Controller a Difficult Job?

Air traffic controller is considered a highly demanding and responsible profession. This profession involves critical tasks such as directing the safe landings and takeoffs of aircraft, regulating air traffic flow, and managing emergencies in various weather conditions.

Air traffic controllers impact the lives of thousands of passengers and are responsible for ensuring their safety. Any mistake can have serious consequences. They perform a job that requires the ability to make split-second decisions.

They must make accurate and rapid decisions under time pressure. Controllers working in air traffic control towers or centers often find themselves in a busy and stressful work environment. Managing many flights simultaneously requires attention and focus.

Air traffic controllers must possess extensive technical knowledge in air traffic management, meteorology, navigation, and aviation techniques. Controllers perform a job that requires constant attention and concentration. Tracking aircraft routes, communicating, and monitoring various data are tasks that require constant vigilance. They may have to cope with factors such as poor weather, reduced visibility, or wind, especially in adverse conditions. To keep up with technological and procedural changes in the aviation industry, air traffic controllers must undergo ongoing training and stay current.

These factors make the air traffic controller profession challenging, but despite the high level of responsibility, it is a rewarding and exciting career option for many.