Air traffic controller

You would calmly and carefully guide aircraft pilots during their take off, their flight and landing

You'd help them avoid other aircraft and deal with difficult weather conditions so the crew and passengers arrive safely and on time.

You'd be responsible for giving clear instructions to make sure that aircraft travelling through UK airspace are kept a safe distance apart.

You'd also respond to emergency distress calls, working under pressure to help the aircraft land safely. For example, this might include instructing and guiding a light aeroplane that has lost its way in bad weather.

There are three specific roles for air traffic controllers.

If you work as an area controller you'd be based in a regional control centre where you would track and guide aircraft safely through your sector.

As an approach controller, you'd manage aircraft as they get close to the airport and arrange them into the correct landing order.

As an aerodrome controller, you'd work from a control tower and give pilots instructions for landing as they descend. You might also have ground control duties. For example you'd direct the aircraft on the runway after landing and before take off, and guide them to and from parking stands and holding areas.

This is a responsible job where you'd need to concentrate. You'd receive and need to interpret and check a lot of information quickly.

• National Air Traffic Services - Training as an air traffic controller

• Careers in Aerospace - careers information from the Royal Aeronautical Society and ADS Group