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Air traffic controller
Air traffic control officer
Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.
Average salary (a year)
£46000.0
Starter
£100000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
35.0 to 45.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
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You can get into this job through:an apprenticeship; a trainee scheme
Apprenticeship
You could do an apprenticeship to get into this career, for example
Aviation Flight Operations Co-ordinator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Air Traffic Controller Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
Aviation Flight Operations Co-ordinator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Air Traffic Controller Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into a similar role through an armed forces apprenticeship:Royal Air Force, Royal Navy
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
RAF apprenticeships|https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/apprenticeships
Royal Navy apprenticeships|https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/levels-of-entry/apprenticeships
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Other Routes
You can apply for a place as a trainee with National Air Traffic Services.
You'll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths.
You'll be expected to relocate to Fareham in Hampshire while training. Once you qualify, you could work anywhere in the UK.
Initial training takes up to 1 year and further training may continue while working.
You may also be considered for training if you have relevant aviation experience as a military air traffic controller, or military or commercial pilot.
More Information
Career Tips
Senior air traffic controllers' salaries can range from £70,000 to over £100,000 at larger UK airports.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming an air traffic controller from National Air Traffic Services.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
Concentration skills
Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
The ability to use your judgement and make decisions
The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Excellent verbal communication skills
Complex problem-solving skills
To be thorough and pay attention to detail
The ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
Digital Skills Level
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Other Requirements
You should be eligible to work in the UK.
You must be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.
Related Restrictions
Day to day tasks
Your tasks will vary depending on which type of controller you become. There are 3 types
area controllers - track and guide aircraft flying at higher altitudes through a sector and are based at a regional control centre, approach controllers - manage aircraft as they approach the airport and issue instructions to planes that have just taken off, aerodrome controllers - work in a control tower, giving clearance to land and take off, and guide pilots to the correct taxi positions on stands and runways
area controllers - track and guide aircraft flying at higher altitudes through a sector and are based at a regional control centre, approach controllers - manage aircraft as they approach the airport and issue instructions to planes that have just taken off, aerodrome controllers - work in a control tower, giving clearance to land and take off, and guide pilots to the correct taxi positions on stands and runways
Typically in these roles you could
make sure safe distances are maintained between aircraft, keep in radio contact with flight crew and give out instructions, prevent collisions between planes and with other obstacles, handle emergencies, monitor data
make sure safe distances are maintained between aircraft, keep in radio contact with flight crew and give out instructions, prevent collisions between planes and with other obstacles, handle emergencies, monitor data
Working environment
You could work in an airport control tower.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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