Air Traffic Controller Training

Air traffic controller training is heavily regulated given the nature of the job. Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe passage of aircraft as they fly along major air routes and around busy airports. It is a highly pressured job as they are required to constantly update pilots with critical instructions and advice relating to the height, speed and course of multiple aircraft.

Air traffic controller training is designed to give trainees the key skills to handle responsibilities such as maintaining radio contact, directing movement of planes, giving instructions relating to altitude, knowledge of weather conditions, maintaining safe distances between aircraft and dealing with emergencies.

Most trainees end up as area controllers with some going to on specialise in working as approach controllers. Either way, it's a stressful job and the ability to work under pressure is essentials. In the UK alone, 2.4 million passenger and cargo flights take off and land in any one year.

The ability to multi-task helps as controllers usually have multiple planes to co-ordinate at any one time. Technical skills are important as some controllers will go on to gain an understanding of instrument landing systems. Air traffic controller training also covers management of aircraft on the ground which is extremely important at busy airports.