The ability to concentrate for extended periods of timeĮxcellent communication and teamworking skills Key skills and qualities for air traffic controllersĪir traffic controllers must have the following: However, it’s unlikely that you will be able to move to another role within the industry positions in area, approach and aerodrome are specialised, so the vast majority of people remain in the area they trained for. Once you’ve completed training, you might decide to work your way up to a managerial position. Eventually, you could earn over £100,000. After you’ve completed training, your salary will increase to between £37,014 and £41,253. It’s important that air traffic controllers maintain up-to-date knowledge and a strong skills set, so you will be expected to attend training courses/sessions throughout your career.Īs a trainee, you’ll start out on a salary of £17,000, along with a weekly payment of £60. The entire training process can take around three years. Afterwards, you’ll work at an operational unit you might be posted anywhere in the UK. You will then be posted to an operational unit to continue with practical training, before gaining an air traffic controller license. Training begins with 12 to 18 months of college-based training, including practical and theory orientated learning. While a degree isn’t required, you need a high level of concentration and commitment to take on the large workload of a trainee, and a degree might prepare you for this. To qualify for training with them, you need to be over 18 and have (or have the equivalent of) at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (previously A to C) or Scottish National 5s at grade A to C, including English and Maths. Most air traffic controllers are employed by NATS, the main air navigation service provider in the UK. The typical way to take off as an air traffic controller
Aerospace controllers also work in airport control towers, working alongside approach controllers as planes land and dealing with traffic on the ground in the aerodrome. Approach controllers work at airports in the control tower, guiding planes as they land.
The majority of controllers specialise in area control and work from area control centres where they are responsible for air traffic between airports in UK airspace. Although it is possible to state a preference, the specialisation offered to students embarking on a training course may depend on the company’s needs. The 600,000 people who pass through UK airspace every day rely on air traffic controllers to get them to their destination safely and efficiently.Ĭontrollers maintain radio/radar contact with aircraft pilots within designated areas, providing them with advice, instructions and information about weather conditions and safe flight, ascent and descent paths.Īir traffic controllers specialise in either area control, approach or aerodrome control, and specialisation will determine the typical nature of communication with an aircraft. What does a logistics or distribution manager do?
Rewards come in the form of good earning potential and the ability to progress to a position of high responsibility.