Air traffic controllers make sure that aircraft travelling through UK airspace is kept a safe distance apart and help pilots to take off and land safely. They deal with passenger, freight and military aircraft. 

Controllers are responsible for a particular airspace sector and maintain radio contact with pilots flying through their sector, relaying information, such as weather conditions. They also issue instructions to re-route flight paths or change altitude, for example, if an unscheduled aircraft enters the airspace.

Air traffic control is split into three roles and controllers' duties vary, depending on their role: 

Area controllers work at control centres and deal with aircraft in flight. They use radar and computer systems to track the exact position of each aircraft and direct them along the most efficient route through the airspace.  

Approach controllers manage the descent of aircraft as they make their approach. They decide when and where planes should land, and guide them into the most efficient landing order.

Aerodrome controllers work from a visual control tower and look after planes as they arrive and depart. In very busy airports, the job is split, with air controllers guiding the plane during landing, and ground controllers, who manage planes on the runway, issuing instructions as planes taxi to and from parking stands and holding areas.

Air traffic controllers also respond to emergency distress calls; for example, if a light aircraft loses its way, controllers give the pilot details of their exact position and guide them to safety.

Air traffic controllers work in centres throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Hours and Environment

Air traffic controllers work 40 hours a week, which is mainly shiftwork, covering days, nights, weekends and public holidays. During shifts, they can guide several aircraft for up to one and a half hours, followed by a half-hour break between each session.

They work in flight control centres and control towers, spending most of their time at a workstation using computers, radar displays and radio equipment to monitor aircraft and communicate with pilots.

Skills and Interests

To be an air traffic controller, you should:

• be able to work calmly under pressure
• be able to solve problems and make decisions quickly
• be able to give clear spoken instructions to pilots
• be confident with technology
• be able to absorb and interpret information from different sources
• be able to check information quickly and accurately
• have good numeracy skills
• have good spatial vision
• have a good memory
• have a mature outlook
• be flexible and a good teamworker.

Entry

You have to meet the entry requirements below to apply for a position as a trainee air traffic controller with the National Air Traffic Services (NATS). You must:

• be at least 18 years old when you apply
• be eligible to work in the UK
• have at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English and maths, and at least 2 A levels/3 H grades or equivalent (or be in your final year).

Applicants with relevant aviation experience, either as military air traffic controllers, civil or military assistants, or those with military or commercial flying experience will be considered.

If you meet the above criteria, you may be invited to take part in a selection process. This includes one day of testing, two interviews and a computer assessment. This will take place at one of the test centres around the UK. The tests measure skills such as the ability to check information quickly and accurately, spatial visualisation, mental arithmetic and short-term memory. There are also questionnaires to gauge personality, learning style and motivation.

You will also have to pass a security clearance, medical checks and give references before NATS offer you a place. You will need a good standard of health, normal colour vision and full hearing.

You can also apply directly to airport operators, although they usually look for experienced controllers.

NATS has detailed information about this career and the application process, and GoSkills has more general information about careers in the aviation sector. See their websites in Further Information.

Training

Most of the training takes place at the College of Air Traffic Control, next to Bournemouth International Airport.

Aerodrome and approach controllers spend between six and nine months training; area controllers spend around 15 months. The course combines classroom instruction with practical exercises. Computer simulators recreate real air traffic situations for practical training. Assessors monitor your progress and you must pass every part of the course to continue.

If you successfully complete the college course, you will be posted to an operational unit for a validation period of two years. As a trainee, you work towards qualifying as an operational air traffic control officer (ATCO). An experienced instructor supervises this on-the-job training.

All air traffic controllers have to pass a thorough medical examination every two years until the age of 40, then every year after that.

Opportunities

Air traffic controllers working for NATS, cover 15 of the largest airports in the UK. Area control centres also employ a large number of controllers. There are around 2,500 controllers working for NATS.

Many controllers remain in the role throughout their career but there are opportunities to move into the training and assessment of prospective new air traffic controllers. With experience, some controllers can become operational watch supervisors or unit managers.

Opportunities also exist with the Royal Air Force and overseas.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A trainee air traffic controller at college earns around £10,000 a year.
During the validation period they earn between £15,000 and £19,000 a year.
Qualified ATCOs can earn up to £46,000 a year.
Supervisors and senior controllers earn up to £80,000 a year.

Further information

Concorde House
Trinity Park
Solihull
Birmingham
B37 7UQ
Tel: 0121 635 5520 Fifth Floor
Brettenham House South
Lancaster Place
London
WC2E 7EN
Tel: 020 7309 8666