Air Traffic Controllers

Air Traffic Controllers

Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) are people trained to maintain the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. The position of air traffic controller is one that requires highly specialized knowledge, skills and abilities.

Controllers apply separation rules to keep aircraft at a safe distance from each other in their area of responsibility and move all aircraft safely and efficiently through their assigned sector of airspace, as well as on the ground.

Because controllers have an incredibly large responsibility while on duty (often in aviation, "on position") and make countless real-time decisions on a daily basis.
The ATC profession is consistently regarded around the world as one of the most mentally challenging careers, and can be notoriously stressful depending on many variables (equipment, configurations, weather, traffic volume, human factors, etc.).

Many controllers in United States Airports, however, would cite high salaries and a very large, unique, and privileged degree of autonomy as major advantages of their jobs.

Although the media in United States frequently refers to them as air controllers, or flight controllers, most air traffic professionals use the term air traffic controllers. They are also called air traffic control officers (ATCOs), air traffic control specialists, or simply controllers.

Pilots need active support from air traffic control to fly safely. Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) are also essential to the efficiency of airports and the airline industry. With the ever-increasing volume of traffic, managing flights is a complex and sometimes pressurised job.

The amount of money you can earn as an air traffic controller varies considerably, mostly based on your qualifications, experience and most importantly, where you apply for a job.

In United States, an air traffic controller can earn an average salary on a scale from approximately US$90,000 to US$180,000 on a yearly basis depending on seniority levels.

There are also many benefits such as annual bonus, company shares, retirement plans and medical benefits offered to these positions.

Remarks: The information and figures provided are intended as a guideline only. For those interested, please contact the respective airline headquarters (AirlinesHQ) for further information.