Becoming an air traffic controller

Do you have a passion for aircrafts and flying? Then becoming an air traffic controller might be the right career move for you. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the safety and efficiency of air traffic if you decide to pursue this career. Browse the exciting range of vacancies on Job Mail and find your dream job today.

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Job overview

An air traffic controller is responsible for overseeing the movement of aircrafts on the main air routes as well as in the vicinity of airports. They provide pilots with the instructions and guidance necessary to navigate their aircrafts safely. Most professionals in this position are employed as area controllers. They work in a control centre to keep aircrafts flying safely and efficiently.

Another option is to work as an approach controller where you’ll be responsible for overseeing the movement of aircraft that are arriving and departing from the airport. If you decide that becoming an air traffic controller is the right option for you, these are the duties that you can expect to perform:

• Maintain radio contact with pilots
• Provide pilots with weather information
• Regulate aircrafts when they take off and land at the airport
• Oversee aircraft movements
• Deal with emergency situations
• Ensure that minimum distances are kept between aircrafts
• Determine the best order for aircrafts to land in
• Handle instrument landing systems
• Place aircrafts in holding patterns during busy periods
• Give pilots clearance to use the runway
• Assist pilots during bad weather conditions so that they can navigate the aircraft to the runway and land safely
• Work with other air traffic controllers, pilots, and weather bureau personnel

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Skills and qualities needed

An interest in flying is a good foundation for this career. This is one of the most stressful jobs out there, so you’ll need to be dedicated to completing your responsibilities. The skills and qualities that air traffic controllers need include the following:

• Ability to work under pressure
• Reliability and trustworthiness
• Outstanding focus and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Logical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Superior planning and organisation capabilities
• Ability to handle emergency situations
• Emotional maturity
• Superior decision-making skills
• Efficient work ethic
• Physical and mental well-being
• Adequate hearing, eyesight, and colour perception
• Outstanding memory

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Employment opportunities

An air traffic controller completes their duties in a control centre. This career comes with moderate local and international employment opportunities. As an air traffic controller, you can find employment with the government or large private companies at airports across South Africa. Work opportunities are also available for the SA Air Force. Your experience as an air traffic controller, and your work performance, will have an impact on the progression of your career. With hard work and dedication, you could work your way up to a managerial role.

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Educational requirements

To qualify as an air traffic controller, you’ll need to complete four to six years of training, which includes both practical and theoretical components. While entry requirements vary between the different training institutes, it’s likely that you’ll need to have completed Grade 12 with mathematics, physical sciences, and English to enrol for this qualification. Being medically fit is another requirement. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll work as an air traffic controller assistant to gain experience. After you’ve launched your career, you’ll need to go for an annual physical examination to keep your qualification.

What to study:

• Air Traffic Controller Training – you can study at specialised colleges, the SA Air Force, and at major airports across South Africa
• National Certificate: Aviation Support Operations – you can study at specialised tertiary education institutes

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Related jobs

• Agricultural pilot
• Airline dispatcher
• Ground Command and Control Management
• Airline Radio Operator
• Information Communication Technology Management

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Now that you know more about becoming an air traffic controller, you can get your career off to a great start. Looking for exciting employment opportunities in the aviation sector? Find suitable vacancies on Job Mail today.

Summary

Article Name

Becoming an air traffic controller

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Do you have a passion for aircrafts and flying? Then becoming an air traffic controller might be the right career move for you.

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Job Mail Staff Writer

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Job Mail

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