2 answers
Ryan
Student
Grafton, Ohio
4
Questions
Asked
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As a air traffic controller, is it very stressful leading the planes through the air if there are many in the area.
My grandpa used to be a air traffic controller and from what ive heard about it, it seems like it is a job that might be fit for me. #aviation
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2 answers
Jamie Wallace
Dell Technologies Supply Chain Advisor
14
Answers
Harker Heights, Texas
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Generally most airports are considered "positive control" meaning that any aircraft entering that airspace is "sqwauking" a specific code that allows the air traffic controller to track on a screen and give specific guidance on when to turn, when to descend etc. The pilot must rely on the air traffic controller for all movement inside the controlled airspace. Air traffic controllers are also are given a maximum number of aircraft to track within the controlled airspace and aircraft trying to enter the controlled airspace must wait for controller clearance so if the airspace is saturated then they must enter a holding pattern until they can be sequenced into the airspace. Also consider that regional airports are much less "hectic" than an international airport like DFW for instance.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
88
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Ryan,
I have not been an air controller nor even been involved in the aircraft industry. However, I can offer a few things for you to think about.
Rather than think about how hectic things might be. you should think about the training and procedures you might need or be exposed to. You should expect to learn how to read and understand a radar screen. identify the different aircraft, use the flight management software, etc.. You will likely be part of a crew or team that handles the air traffic for a certain geographic area, or, you might be part of a crew for a specific airport or flight center. So, it's not just you, but several individuals working together to manage the traffic. With that in mind, you probably will want to have some expertise in science and math. Speaking and listening skills will be important for you to communicate with pilots and other traffic controllers and your supervisor.
Knowing how to act deliberately and decisively when things do get tense will be an asset. But, your primary goal is to keep any situation from getting to the "hectic" stage.
In just about any occupation, there can be times when rapid change is the norm, i.e. the situation becomes "hectic." Airplane pilots practice certain maneuvers many times over; I believe they call this part of their training something like "unusual attitudes." "Attitude" being the combination of the aircraft pitch, altitude. airspeed, groundspeed, and some other things. They may never ever intentionally fly in that "attitude," but they have to be prepared to take the controls and get the aircraft to a different (better) attitude before the attitude gets even
worse. They have to do successfully several times in order to qualify for their pilot's license. And, they must continue to qualify on every different aircraft they fly.
There's an old adage from sports that applies here: an Amateur practices a a move until he/she gets it right; a Professional practices the task until he cannot fail. You will want to become a Professional.
As a flight controller, you have the ultimate goal of ensuring that planes don't run into each other or other things. Next, to prevent any "near miss" ( or near hit?) situations. And so on. Your training would include time in simulator systems to put you in situations like this, but without real aircraft and people involved. Finally, as your skills improve, you work up to doing the real thing
I recommend that you try to talk to others who work in this field and find out what education and training helped them get them hired for this position.
for you
I have not been an air controller nor even been involved in the aircraft industry. However, I can offer a few things for you to think about.
Rather than think about how hectic things might be. you should think about the training and procedures you might need or be exposed to. You should expect to learn how to read and understand a radar screen. identify the different aircraft, use the flight management software, etc.. You will likely be part of a crew or team that handles the air traffic for a certain geographic area, or, you might be part of a crew for a specific airport or flight center. So, it's not just you, but several individuals working together to manage the traffic. With that in mind, you probably will want to have some expertise in science and math. Speaking and listening skills will be important for you to communicate with pilots and other traffic controllers and your supervisor.
Knowing how to act deliberately and decisively when things do get tense will be an asset. But, your primary goal is to keep any situation from getting to the "hectic" stage.
In just about any occupation, there can be times when rapid change is the norm, i.e. the situation becomes "hectic." Airplane pilots practice certain maneuvers many times over; I believe they call this part of their training something like "unusual attitudes." "Attitude" being the combination of the aircraft pitch, altitude. airspeed, groundspeed, and some other things. They may never ever intentionally fly in that "attitude," but they have to be prepared to take the controls and get the aircraft to a different (better) attitude before the attitude gets even
worse. They have to do successfully several times in order to qualify for their pilot's license. And, they must continue to qualify on every different aircraft they fly.
There's an old adage from sports that applies here: an Amateur practices a a move until he/she gets it right; a Professional practices the task until he cannot fail. You will want to become a Professional.
As a flight controller, you have the ultimate goal of ensuring that planes don't run into each other or other things. Next, to prevent any "near miss" ( or near hit?) situations. And so on. Your training would include time in simulator systems to put you in situations like this, but without real aircraft and people involved. Finally, as your skills improve, you work up to doing the real thing
I recommend that you try to talk to others who work in this field and find out what education and training helped them get them hired for this position.
Dennis recommends the following next steps: