What Do Air Traffic Controllers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Air Traffic Controllers

Air Traffic Controllers control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Salary
$127440
Becoming One
Medium
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality



Job Description

Job Description

Air Traffic Controllers control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety. They also inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.

Other tasks include:

  • Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
  • Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
  • Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
  • Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
  • Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
  • Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.

We asked Air Traffic Controllers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

74%

How meaningful is this job

59%


74% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 59% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Air Traffic Controllers monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references. They transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.

A typical day for an Air Traffic Controller will also include:

  • Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
  • Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
  • Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
  • Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
  • Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.

We asked some Air Traffic Controllers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 62% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 83% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 62% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 70% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 20% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 96% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Air Traffic Controllers also alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties. They may also provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Air Traffic Controllers Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law. They might also Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.

In addition, they Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots’ requests for altitude changes.

To some Air Traffic Controllers, it is also their responsibility to Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as an Air Traffic Controller, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Air Traffic Controllers work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
97%


Never
3%


Do Air Traffic Controllers work outdoors?

Never
97%


Every day
3%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Entrepreneurs and The Organizers

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Air Traffic Controllers

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Related to Air Traffic Controllers Job Description

Air Traffic Controllers job description, what do Air Traffic Controllers do, typical day for Air Traffic Controllers, what is it like to work as an Air Traffic Controller, how many hours do Air Traffic Controllers work, day to day work of an Air Traffic Controller

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm
http://www.faa.gov/
http://www.natca.org/
http://www.aopa.org/


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