Air Traffic Controllers are the trained professionals who guide the aircraft throughout their in-flight process. An Air Traffic Controller is a person who guides the aircraft's function smoothly and efficiently from take-off till landing. Air Traffic Controllers are with the Pilot from the start guiding them to choose the most efficient route and taxiway.
Candidates aspiring to become Air Traffic Controllers should complete their graduation with not less than 55% in Graduation from a recognized board. Candidates can opt for various Air Traffic Controller courses or can study B.Sc. (Aviation) or B.Tech. (Aeronautical Engineering) in order to have good command over the subject.
Apart from privatised jobs, Air Traffic Controllers are recruited by various Government Aircraft and Aviation Companies such as the Airports Authority of India, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Navy, Indian Army. These government institutions offer good salaries and the pay scale goes on increasing after gaining the right set of experience.
Air Traffic Controllers earn INR 8,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum at the start of their careers. Selected candidates after successfully completing the training period will join the organization as Junior Executive and can reach up to the level of Executive Director after gaining the experience over the years.
Table of Contents
2.2 Area Controllers
What does an Air Traffic Controller do?
Air Traffic Controllers handle the traffic of aircraft at airports as well as in high altitudes. They are the first in line when a Pilot connects during his/her in-flight journey. They maintain the movement of aircraft in order to maintain the safe distance between the aircraft. They are connected with the pilots from take off from an airport till landing at the destination airports. They use radar and the latest technology to keep track of the aircraft.
Some of the main tasks that are performed by Air Traffic Controllers are listed below for your reference,
- Keeping radio and radar in contact with the aircraft
- Directing the aircraft to the airport.
- Providing weather reports to pilots.
- Monitoring the movement of aircraft
- Directing the aircraft as and when required.
- Controlling all ground traffic at runways and taxiways.
- Issue instructions to pilots for take-off and landing.
- Keeping the pilots informed regarding the weather, runway closure, etc.
- Alerting the concerned authority in case of emergency.
Types of Air Traffic Controller
There are three broad classifications of Air Traffic Controllers. Mentioned below are the basic gists about the same,
- Aerodrome Controllers: Also referred to as Tower Controller, Aerodrome Controllers hold the responsibility of an Aircraft movement in and around its airfield. They are the person on whose clearances an aircraft lands or takes off and they also route the aircraft safely so that the aircraft can taxi between the runways safely. Aerodrome Controllers earn INR 8,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum.
- Area Controllers: Area Controllers, based in control centers, manage the aircraft at high altitudes and are responsible for an aircraft’s climb, descent, and en-route phase of the flight. They provide the aircraft with the most efficient route to the destinations. They can also track the exact location of an aircraft via radar and computer technology. Area Controllers earn INR 8,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum.
- Approach Controllers: Approach controllers are also based in control centers and take control from area controllers when the aircraft approaches the airport. They guide the aircraft when and where to land. Approach Controllers earn INR 8,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum.
Skills Required to Become an Air Traffic Controller
Skills play an important role in the life of an individual. It is by the skills a person is known. Skills are also important because skills bring positive effects in an individual, bringing success and a healthy society. Also, without inculcating proper skill one cannot apply for a job. Skills are the only way of differentiating a good candidate from other candidates in the job search.
Following is the list of skills a person wanting to pursue an Air Traffic Controller career should have.
| Quick Decision-Making Capability | Stress Resistance | Spatial Awareness |
| Visualization | Prioritization | Multi-tasking Capability |
| Flexibility | Communication Skills | Excellent Memory |
| Team Player | Numerically Proficient | Organizational skills |
| Problem-solving skills | Concentration skills | Quantitative skills |
Scope of Air Traffic Controller
After completing a course in Air Traffic Controller, eligible candidates can be offered roles based on his/her qualification and expertise. Generally, there are 3-types of Air Traffic Controllers, Aerodrome Controllers, Area Controllers, Approach Controllers. These job roles offer a salary of INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month. Candidates should have completed Graduation with good knowledge of Physics and Maths.
Candidates will also have to clear Written, voice, and medical tests in order to be eligible for the role of Air Traffic Controller. After gaining the required experience and knowledge one can move abroad. Willing candidates can also join government agencies such as the Airports Authority of India, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, India Army. These government institutions offer good salaries and the pay scale goes on increasing after gaining the right set of experience.
Salary of an Air Traffic Controller
An Air Traffic Controller is a person who guides the aircraft's function smoothly and efficiently from take-off till landing. Air Traffic Controllers are with the Pilot from the start guiding them to choose the most efficient route and taxiway. Air Traffic Controllers, after gaining the required skill and knowledge along with the experience can always level up and can get promoted along with higher earnings
Company Wise
Different companies hire Air Traffic controllers with relevant knowledge for different profiles at different pay packages. Some of the best companies that offer jobs to Air Traffic Controllers are listed below.
| Company | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Airports Authority of India | 8.92 L |
| Indian Air Force | 9.60 L |
| Indian Navy | 8.50 L |
| India Army | 9.20 L |
Experience Wise
Persons are offered higher roles with better pay as they have the desired experienced. A person with more relevant experience in the field will always occupy top spots. These experienced professionals are always in demand. The below table enlists the average salary a person can get along with his number of experiences.
| Experience (in Years) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Early Career (1 – 4) | 5.50 L |
| Mid-Career (5 – 10) | 9.88 L |
| Late Career (10 years and above) | 14 L & above |
Air Traffic Controller Jobs:FAQs
Ques. What are the roles and responsibilities of an Air Traffic Controller?
Ans. The roles and responsibilities of an Air Traffic Controller include
- Monitoring the movement of aircraft
- Directing the aircraft as and when required.
- Controlling all ground traffic at runways and taxiways.
- Issue instructions to pilots for take-off and landing.
- Keeping the pilots informed regarding the weather, runway closure, etc.
- Alerting the concerned authority in case of emergency.
Ques. What are the Qualities of an Air Traffic Controller?
Ans. An Air Traffic Controller should have the following traits
- An Air Traffic Controller is Self-Disciplined.
- They know which task should be prioritized.
- They have a detail-oriented work style.
- Air Traffic Controllers bring their theoretical knowledge to practical use.
- They have the ability to complete the work with logic and creativity whenever required.
Ques. What are the prospects of an Air Traffic Controller?
Ans. According to BLS, the job outlook of Air Traffic Controller is expected to increase by 4% from the year 2020 to 2030.
Ques. What are the employment sectors for Air Traffic Controllers?
Ans. Air Traffic Controllers are mostly hired in the aviation sector by different aviation companies. Numerous companies offer jobs at a different level to Air Traffic Controllers. Most of the government agencies also hire Air Traffic Controllers that can include Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Army, ISRO, DRDO, etc.
Ques. Which books I can refer to for learning Air Traffic Controller from basics?
Ans. Following are the books you can refer to for learning Air Traffic Controller
- Fundamentals of Air Traffic Control by Michael S. Nolan
- Air Traffic Management: Economic Regulation and Governance by Margaret Arblaster
- IHS Jane's Air Traffic Control
- Metaheuristics for Air Traffic Management by Nicolas Durand, David Gianazza, Jean-Baptiste Gotteland, and Jean-Marc Alliot
Ques. How do I prepare for the Air Traffic Controller Job Interview?
Ans. Having a detailed knowledge of the company’s work will always be advantageous for you. Be thoroughly knowledgeable about the company’s working, dealings, etc. learn about the changes and appointments in the company. Be thorough about the knowledge you have gained while studying the course.
Ques. Can I learn courses related to Air Traffic Control online?
Ans. Yes. Many Institutes have started online courses on Air Traffic Control. Also, various platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, Edx, Future learn, etc. have numerous teachers on their platform teaching courses on Air Traffic Controller.
Ques. Can I learn Air Traffic Controller for free?
Ans. Some aspects of the Air Traffic Controller can be studied online but if you want to gain in-depth knowledge of the course it is better to opt for a Diploma/bachelor course.
Ques. Can an Air Traffic Controller work independently?
Ans. Air Traffic Controllers mostly work with Aviation companies. after gaining some experience with working in an organization and then switching can help to scale up the payment as well as position
Ques. What challenges will I have to face as an Air Traffic Controller?
Ans. After becoming an Air Traffic Controller you may have to deal with critical situations, attention to details, prepare reports, keep an eye on the weather, etc.
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