Air traffic controller
Guide pilots through taking off and landing at airports and help them fly safely, dealing with the weather, other aircraft and emergencies.
Also known as: air traffic control officer (atco)
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About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£923
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£4,000
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£48,000
Experienced
400
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
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.
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Hours
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Environment
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
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Transport
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- sorting
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
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Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Mathematics
Physics
Applications of Mathematics
Training course with the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) or with the armed services. To get into this training you will need qualifications at SCQF Level 5 or above.
To get into the NATS training course you must pass a number of initial online tests.If you get through these, you'll be invited to an assessment centre for further tests and interview.
You will also need to pass a medical examination and get security clearance before being offered a job.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Air traffic controller'
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