Air Traffic Controllers :: Job Description

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Air Traffic Controllers

Careers / Air Traffic Controllers

Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Access Control Specialist

2.	Air Route Controller

3.	Air Route Traffic Controller

4.	Air Traffic Control Operator

5.	Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS)

6.	Air Traffic Control Specialist, Terminal

7.	Air Traffic Control Specialist/Certified Professional Controller (ATC Specialist/CPC)

8.	Air Traffic Controller (ATC)

9.	Air Traffic Controller (Enroute Option)

10.	Air Traffic Controller (Tower Option)

11.	Air Traffic Controller, Center

12.	Air Traffic Coordinator

13.	Air Traffic Supervisor

14.	Aircraft Communicator

15.	Airline Dispatcher

16.	Airport Tower Controller

17.	Airport Traffic Controller

18.	Airway Controller

19.	Airway Traffic Controller

20.	Airways Control Specialist

21.	Airways Operations Specialist

22.	Certified Professional Controller (CPC)

23.	Chief Communications Officer

24.	Chief Controller

25.	Communications Operator

26.	Communicator

27.	Control Tower Operator

28.	Dispatcher

29.	Enroute Controller

30.	Flight Communications Officer

31.	Flight Control Specialist

32.	Flight Dispatcher

33.	Flight Radio Officer

34.	Flight Radio Operator

35.	Flight Service Specialist

36.	Flight Tower Dispatcher

37.	Ground Control Approach Technician (GCA Technician)

38.	Radar Air Traffic Controller

39.	Signal Tower Operator

40.	Station Air Traffic Control Specialist

41.	Technical Communicator

42.	Tower Air Traffic Control Specialist

43.	Tower Control Operator

44.	Traffic Control Specialist

Job Tasks

	Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems. Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.

	Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights. Coordinate flight control or management activities.

	Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations. Respond to transportation emergencies.

	Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties. Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.

	Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety. Monitor vehicle movement or location. Direct vehicle traffic.

	Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land. Direct vehicle traffic.

	Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references. Monitor vehicle movement or location.

	Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers. Direct vehicle traffic.

	Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes. Adjust routes or speeds as necessary.

	Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft. Direct emergency management activities.

	Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers. Train transportation or material moving personnel.

	Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes. Monitor vehicle movement or location. Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.

	Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights. Operate communications equipment or systems.

	Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.

	Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace. Plan flight operations.

	Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information. Meet with coworkers to communicate work orders or plans.

	Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes. Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.

	Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports as required under federal law. Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations. Record operational details of travel.

	Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft. Record operational details of travel.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Air Traffic Controllers
	Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that aircraft stay safe distances apart.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Air Traffic Controllers
	Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or route centers. Their work can be stressful because total concentration is required at all times. Night, weekend, and rotating shifts are common.

	Read More >>

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