Page 240 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

• Quick-thinking
• Self-confidence
• The ability to concentrate for long periods of
time
Related career opportunities
• Air Traffic Controller
• Air Traffic Safety Engineer
• Flight Engineer
• Ground/Flight Operations Controller/
Manager
• Helicopter Pilot
Air Traffic Controller
Occupation Code: 3154
Alternative titles: Air Traffic Control Specialist, Flight Controller, Air Controller
An Air Traffic Controller is typically expected to:
Job description and duties
Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for carefully directing and managing aircraft traffic flows in a safe and timely manner. There are 3 main types of Air Traffic Controllers:
• Tower Controller: Responsible for controlling aircraft which is on the ground or aircraft flying at low altitude
• Approach Controller: Responsible for controlling aircraft due for take off or landing
• Area Controller: Responsible for controlling aircraft once they leave the airport’s airspace
• Receive information about flights from radar observations and Aircraft Pilot reports
• Conduct communication clearly and concisely using standard phraseology
• Advise Aircraft Pilots on weather conditions and status of facilities and airports
• Give Pilots permission to take off, land and change altitude and direction
• Give airport workers permission to move on the runway and adjacent areas
• Monitor aircraft and look for possible conflicts such as unscheduled traffic entering airspace
• Liaise with Airport Security, Police and Civil
Protection in case of emergency
• Write reports on incidents
Work environment
Air Traffic Controllers work from Airport Control Towers. Since the tasks carried out by Air Traffic Controllers require a high level of concentration and focus, it is necessary that they take frequent breaks during their shift. Air Traffic Controllers typically work full-time and are expected to
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