What do Air Traffic Controllers Do?

Air traffic controllers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. That much is widely known, but what do they actually do? In short, they are responsible for guiding planes through the skies and on the ground, making sure that they maintain a safe distance from one another and follow established flight paths. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at their main responsibilities.

An average day for an air traffic controller might include a range of activities, such as:

1. Monitoring incoming and outgoing flights – Air traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring the movement of planes, both incoming and outgoing, to ensure that they are on schedule and following established flight paths. They use advanced technology like radar to track planes in real-time and provide pilots with information regarding weather conditions and potential hazards.
2. Communicating with pilots – Effective communication is a critical aspect of an air traffic controller’s job. They communicate with pilots using standardized protocols and procedures, providing critical information like weather updates, traffic congestion, and changes in flight paths. Clear and concise communication is essential in preventing collisions and ensuring the safety of all involved.
3. Coordinating with other air traffic controllers – Air traffic controllers must work together to ensure that planes maintain a safe distance from each other. They coordinate with other controllers to ensure that planes follow their assigned routes and maintain appropriate speeds and altitudes. They also collaborate to ensure that flights stay on schedule and that there are no delays or disruptions.
4. Responding to emergency situations – Air traffic controllers must be prepared to respond quickly to emergency situations. They must act calmly and quickly to help pilots experiencing issues like engine failure or other technical difficulties. They must also be able to respond to sudden changes in weather conditions and other unexpected events.
5. Conducting routine equipment checks and maintenance – To ensure that radar and other technology is functioning properly, air traffic controllers conduct regular equipment checks and maintenance. This includes performing routine equipment checks and testing, as well as performing any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Air traffic controllers have a challenging and crucial job in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. They must perform a range of activities on a daily basis, including monitoring incoming and outgoing flights, communicating with pilots, coordinating with other controllers, responding to emergency situations, and conducting routine equipment checks and maintenance. Their high level of expertise, training, and experience is essential to ensuring safe air travel for all passengers. As you might expect, that means it’s a difficult job to obtain that can pay very well.

Qualifications for becoming an air traffic controller

Becoming an air traffic controller requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Most air traffic controllers have at least a bachelor’s degree, although it is possible to enter the field with a two-year degree or equivalent work experience.

In addition to formal education, air traffic controllers must complete a rigorous training program that typically takes several months to complete. They must also pass a series of exams and meet strict medical and security requirements.

Average salary for air traffic controllers

Air traffic controllers are highly skilled professionals, and they are compensated accordingly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $124,540 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of employer.