How to Become a Air Traffic Controller

- Salary, Qualification, Skills, Role and Responsibilities

Who is a Air Traffic Controller?

“To most people, the sky's the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home.” ~ Jerry Crawford

An Air Traffic Controller is a professional responsible for coordinating the movement of aircraft to have the safest landing or taking off. He or she manages the flow of aeroplanes using high technology. A career as an Air Traffic Controller requires communicating and monitoring potential air traffic issues such as delays.

An Air Traffic Controller organises the routes and communicates or informs the pilot about the routes or changed routes using a radio. He or she instructs the pilots and tracks the exact location of the aircraft. In this article, we will discuss how to become an Air Traffic Controller in India, skills, and Air Traffic Controller eligibility.

Air Traffic Controller in a Nutshell

A career as an Air Traffic Controller requires one to coordinate the movements of the aircraft and inform or guide the pilot using highly technology-based radio equipment. His or her primary concern is safety and reducing delays. An Air Traffic Controller usually works in the area control centres and the control towers at airports. He or she usually monitors and manages multiple aircraft at the same time.

Quick Facts for Air Traffic Controller

Average Salary in India
₹1100000
Suitable for
Male, Female

A career as an Air Traffic Controller is suitable for all. This career is suitable for both men and women or any other gender. There is no gender discrimination in this job role, everyone equally enjoys the benefits and opportunities of this career.
Any special needs
Yes

A career as an Air Traffic Controller is suitable for all even those with special needs as it is mostly a desk-based job. He or she need not do physical activities. However, an Air Traffic Controller may find it difficult as it can be a stressful job position.

Table of Contents for Air Traffic Controller

What is the role of Air Traffic Controller?

Types of a Air Traffic Controller

What is the workplace/work environment of Air Traffic Controller like?

How to become a Air Traffic Controller?

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Air Traffic Controller?

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Air Traffic Controller?

Air Traffic Controller Jobs and Salaries

What is the job outlook for Air Traffic Controller?

Frequently Asked Questions for Air Traffic Controller

What is the role of Air Traffic Controller?

The role of the Air Traffic Controller is to manage the flow of aircraft by guiding the pilots during the landing and takeoff times. He or she is responsible for directing the movement of the aircraft on the ground at airport runways and taxiways. The Air Traffic Controller informs the pilot about the runway closures, flights, and weather.

A career as an Air Traffic Controller requires giving other traffic control centres control of the departing flights and accepting control of the arriving flights. The Air Traffic Controller roles and responsibilities include following procedures during emergencies and communicating the issue to the airport staff and other stakeholders or officials within a particular period.

Traffic control

The main role of an Air Traffic Controller is to monitor and guide the movement of the aircraft on the ground and in the air. He or she needs to supervise the movement of air machines in the clouds and maintain safe distances between the aircraft and minimise delays.

Communicate to pilot

A career as an Air Traffic Controller needs to use highly advanced radar, radio, and computer systems or equipment to communicate or to inform the pilot about the routes, weather, and tracking the exact location of the aircraft.

Transferring flights

The role of the Air Traffic Controller is to transfer the control of departure flights to other traffic control centres and also accept the control of the arriving flights. He or she needs to be very active and alert to tackle emergencies.

Assist and analyse

The Air Traffic Controller roles and responsibilities are to assist the teams that are searching for the missing aircraft. He or she is also responsible for analysing data and reports to build flight plans and delays.

Types of a Air Traffic Controller

It provides a wide variety of Air Traffic Controller career options. In this section, we have discussed some of the types of Air Traffic Controllers.

Tower controller: Career as Tower Controller is a professional who is responsible for directing the movement of aircraft, and snowplows, on runways, and taxiways.

He or she reviews the flight plans and provides clearance to the pilots during takeoff or landing. A Tower Controller supervises and manages the traffic from the airport to a radius of three to 30 miles out.

EnRoute Controller: The EnRoute Controller is a professional responsible for monitoring the aircraft once they leave the airport. He or she is required to guide the aeroplane's route and can also adjust the flight's path to avoid any kind of collision.

Aerodrome controller: The Aerodrome controller is a professional who is responsible for moving the aircraft safely around the aerodrome between runways and stands. He or she issues the clearances for the aircraft to take off or land and route it around the airfield.

What is the workplace/work environment of Air Traffic Controller like?

An Air Traffic Controller usually works in the area control centres and the control towers at airports. He or she usually monitors and manages multiple aircraft at the same time. The Air Traffic Controller is hired and trained by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and in some private airports only if he or she is well trained.

He or she works in an open workspace with seniors and other staff members. He or she will work in shifts. An Air Traffic Controller who joined at a junior level will be promoted to the post of Assistant Manager and after three years a General Manager.

Does Air Traffic Controller require travelling?

Likely

An Air Traffic Controller usually works in the area control centres and the control towers at airports. He or she usually monitors and manages multiple aircraft at the same time. Travelling for this career is not likely as he or she mostly works from fixed controlling centers.

Employment Shifts

Full Time

A career as an Air Traffic Controller requires working in shifts, in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Depending on the flight delays and other things the shifts may extend from one to another.

Employment Nature

Permanent

An Air Traffic Controller's nature of employment is permanent and contractual. Mostly he or she will be hired as a permanent employee.

Work Place

Office

A career as an Air Traffic Controller usually works in a fixed office setting and hours as he or she requires to use high-end technology equipment like radar, radio, and computer systems.

Presence in Geographical Area

Semi-urban, Urban

A career as an Air Traffic Controller usually works in an urban or semi-urban area.

Time Pressure

Likely

A career as an Air Traffic Controller will have time pressure. He or she needs to be very active, alert, and patient to guide the movement of the Aircraft to the pilot and it can be stressful during the delays and missing of the aircraft.

Overtime Details

A career as an Air Traffic Controller needs to work nine hours per day, he or she may also need to work some extra hours during times of flight delays or any other changes in the shifts.

Weekly Hours of Work

Min 45 Hours

Air traffic controllers usually work for 37 to 45 hours a week but it may vary to days, nights, weekends, and public holidays.

How to become a Air Traffic Controller?

Steps to become a Air Traffic Controller

An Air Traffic Controller ensures the safe and efficient movement of Aeroplanes or aircraft in the sky and at the airports. If you are interested in building a career in the aviation industry then this is one of the best options. Below we have provided step-by-step guidance on how to become an Air Traffic Controller in India.

Identifying the Skills
Enrol in Formal Training/Course
Qualify Entrance Examination
Air Traffic Controller Training
On-the-Job Training
Get a License from DGCA
Find and Apply for Job

01 Step

Identifying the Skills

To become an Air Traffic Controller you must possess some of the skills. In this section, we have provided Air Traffic Controller skills, including soft and hard skills.

Some of the Air Traffic Controller soft skills are critical thinking, focused communication, problem-solving skills, teamwork, active listening and patience.

Time Management Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Excellent Concentration
Stress Management
Coordination Skills
Active Listening and Patience
Flexibility and Patience

Some of the hard skills of the Air Traffic Controller are flight data, terminal air traffic, pilot reports, computer equipment, and aircraft movements.

NAS (Network Attached Storage)
Instrument Flight Rules
Definition of Done (DoD)
Expeditious Flow
Terminal Air Traffic
Radar Approach
Flight Operations
Navigational Aids

02 Step

Enrol in Formal Training/Course

To become an Air Traffic Controller you must complete a 10+2 examination from a recognised board, with a 60 per cent aggregate mark and opt for a bachelor’s degree in aviation, engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, telecommunications and radio engineering or a related field and master’s degree from a recognised board in a related field.

Below we have discussed the required Air Traffic Controller qualifications including UG and PG entrance examinations, and bachelor's and master’s degrees.

Entrance Examinations

Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

BSc in Aviation
BSc in Airlines and Airport Management
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering
BTech in Telecommunications Engineering
BBA in Aviation Management
BTech in Electronics & Communication Engineering
BTech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Master’s Degree Programmes

MSc in Aviation
MSc in Airlines and Airport Management
MTech in Aeronautical Engineering
MTech in Telecommunications Engineering
MBA in Aviation Management
MTech in Electronics & Communication Engineering
MTech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
MTech in Radion Engineering

03 Step

Qualify Entrance Examination

Once you have pursued your bachelor’s or master’s degree, you are required to qualify for the Air Traffic Controller exam such as the Civil Air Traffic Controller (ATC) exam which is conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority under the directive of the Airports Authority of India.

To get eligible for this examination you are required to be eligible. The eligibility criteria for the AAI ATC exam is the age limit of 27 years, your age must not be more than 27 years. The exam will be a written test, interview and a medical examination.

Popular Entrance Examination

AAI ATC

04 Step

Air Traffic Controller Training

When you have passed the examination, you will need to complete Air Traffic Controller Training. The Civil Aviation Training College in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh serves as the training location for the Airports Authority of India. The training programme is for one year and comprises instruction in theory as well as practical.

05 Step

On-the-Job Training

After you have completed your training, you will be hired as a Junior Executive (ATC) and promoted to Assistant Manager after two years (ATC). In this on-the-job training, you will obtain real-world experience by managing air traffic under the supervision of a certified air traffic controller.

06 Step

Get a License from DGCA

To officially become an Air Traffic Controller, you will be required to apply for the licence once you have finished the on-the-job training. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues licences.

07 Step

Find and Apply for Job

Once you have obtained your license you are now eligible to apply for the Air Traffic Controller jobs. Air Traffic Controller can work in various industries such as Aviation Industry, Air Force Industry, Armed Forces or Domestic Airports and International Airports.

You can start applying for a job with the Airports Authority of India. The AAI is the sole employer of civil ATCs in India. The authority posts openings for air traffic controllers, and you can apply online at their official website.

You can also apply online on various job portals such as Naukri, Indeed, and LinkedIn to opt for jobs in domestic Airports and International Airports such as Air India, Air India Express, Go First, Indigo, SpiceJet, Vistara, British Airways, GoAir, and Singapore Airlines.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Air Traffic Controller?

Communication skills
Problem Solving Ability
Decision making skills
Concentration and focus skills

In this article, we are discussing how to become an Air Traffic Controller in India. When it comes to becoming an Air Traffic Controller, you must possess some of the related skills. We have listed below some of the Air Traffic Controller skills which are required to function effectively in this career.

Concentration and Focus Skills: An Air Traffic Controller is required to be alert, active, and quick. He or she needs to have the ability to focus and concentrate for longer periods. He or she needs to work under pressure.

Problem-Solving Ability: An Air Traffic Controller must have problem-solving skills. When a flight gets delayed he or she needs to plan accordingly to minimise the delays.

Decision-Making Skills: An Air Traffic Controller must have quick decision-making skills during the times of emergencies and also at regular times. One is required to decide quickly what and which route to take next.

Communication Skills: An Air Traffic Controller must have a strong command of the language. He or she needs to communicate with the pilot using radar radio or any other devices about the routes, weather, or any other hindrances coming their way.

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Air Traffic Controller?

Students who are willing to get more knowledge and skills can pursue these certifications to develop their skills and talent in a more specialised way. Below is the list of certifications related to Air Traffic Controller.

Internship Availability

Yes

Many aviation companies are providing internship opportunities to students who are willing to opt for a career as an Air Traffic Controller. Individuals who need to improve their spatial skills are required to take training or internships in a similar field. Once individuals have finished with the internship or training, they will gain hands-on experience.

Air Traffic Controller Jobs and Salaries

Senior Air Traffic Controller

Monthly Salaries

Average Salary 1100000

Job Description

The job description of a Senior Air Traffic Controller includes coordination of the movement of the aircraft to land or take off safely. He or she manages and controls the air traffic and delays. A Senior Air Traffic Controller requires multitasking as he or she needs to control and transfer the other traffic control centres of the departing flights and accept control of the arriving flights. He or she needs to assist the search team during the time of emergencies or missing aircraft. A Senior Air Traffic Controller analyses the data and reports to develop flight plans and delays.

Salary Description

The Senior Air Traffic Controller salary in India ranges from 1-4 years of experience is an average total compensation of Rs 1,148,542 based on 8 salaries and Rs 691,579 based on 16 salaries. The salary may vary depending on the various job factors.

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What is the job outlook for Air Traffic Controller?

As the Indian Market is expanding, candidates who are willing to work in the aviation industry, especially those who want to make a career as an Air Traffic Controller have a bright future as Air Traffic Controller career options are available all over India and overseas as well.

A career as an Air Traffic Controller has an opportunity to work in Domestic Airports, International Airports, the Armed Forces, the Aviation Industry, the Air Force, and others. Air Traffic Controller jobs have the opportunity to experience progress to manager or supervisor level. Every year about 2,400 openings are recorded for air traffic controllers.

Many top companies like Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, Octamec Group, Air Works, and others are hiring for this career. Therefore this career has a lot of demand as it is a highly paid, respectable, and demandable job all over the world. The Air Traffic Controller vacancy can be found in many aviation companies, private or public such as the Airport Authority of India.

Frequently Asked Questions for Air Traffic Controller

Que. How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?

Ans.

To become an air traffic controller in India, you will need one to two years if pursuing a diploma or training course and three to five years if you are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree.

Que. What qualifications do you need to be an air traffic controller?

Ans.

To become an air traffic controller you need to have a bachelor's degree in aviation, engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, telecommunications and radio engineering or a related field to apply for the license and entry-level job.

Que. Is it hard to become an air traffic controller?

Ans.

The air traffic controller career is challenging but it is one of the best and most rewarding careers in the aviation industry. It requires a lot of training and dedication.

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How to Become a Air Traffic Controller

Who is a Air Traffic Controller?

Air Traffic Controller in a Nutshell

Quick Facts for Air Traffic Controller

Table of Contents for Air Traffic Controller

What is the role of Air Traffic Controller?

Traffic control

Communicate to pilot

Transferring flights

Assist and analyse

Types of a Air Traffic Controller

What is the workplace/work environment of Air Traffic Controller like?

Does Air Traffic Controller require travelling?

Likely

Employment Shifts

Full Time

Employment Nature