WHAT DOES AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER DO?
An air traffic controller is in contact with an aircraft via a radio station and they define a monitor their position visually with the aid of the pilot's messages or on the monitor with the aid of radar. They ensure safety at the airport for the aircraft at take-off, landing and during the whole trip in the air. Responsibility for leading the aircraft is divided amongst the air traffic controller, the approach controller and the area controller surveillance. The area controller surveillance makes sure that the aircraft maintain a safe horizontal and vertical distance amongst each other in the airspace and helps them with navigation and avoidance of a potentially dangerous area or an area with bad weather. The majority perform these services via a radar monitor and that is why they do not physically see the aircraft. When the aircraft approaches the airport (from 30 to 40 kilometres), the approach controller takes over. They give instructions to the pilot on approaching the airport. They also inform them about the conditions on the runway and on the weather. In the event of a delay, they give the pilot instructions for waiting. This can also be carried out by making the aircraft circle at various heights and gradually descend until it is their turn to land.At the same time, the approach controller also directs all aircraft at take-off from the airport. At this point they must co-operate with the area controller. The air traffic controller works at the top of the control tower, where they have a good view of the airport in all directions. They take over when the aircraft is from up to 10 km away from the landing strip. The air traffic controller directs aircrafts in and around the airport and amongst other things they also direct their driving on the ground, directing them to a certain path or from a path into a park position. At bigger airports land traffic controllers direct the movements of aircraft and other vehicles at the airport.
Key services – services, which the air traffic controller performs most often.
- controls and manages flight traffic in the air and at manoeuvring surfaces at the airport.
- forwards meteorological data to aircraft crews.
- co-ordinates work with neighbouring air traffic control units.
Services, which an air traffic controller does not often perform:
- obtains even more training, attends a so-called briefing or refresher course.
- co-ordinates with airlines.
- co-ordinates with fire brigade.
Services, which an air traffic controller performs from time to time:
- co-ordinates rescue services.
- participates in examination commissions,
- participates in commissions, which investigate aircraft incidents or accidents.
- participates in projects in air traffic management
Preparation for their services includes:
- examination of current information on restrictions or specifications in their airspace.
- becoming informed about current meteorological data and other messages and the condition of the devices and assets, which they use at work.
- a detailed overview of the current traffic situation.
Work is finished
- handing over the work to the next controller and inform them about all important information.
A record is also kept about their work, especially:
- a record on the correct operations of the devices, assets and systems,
- a record on strange occurrences, which may have happened during his work schedule.
Equipment which they use for their own work:
- radar data,
- a monitor, which forwards a picture of the position, direction and piloting of the aircraft during the flight and when they approach the airport.
- documentation on the device or the process,
- measuring instruments and accessories, indicators.
With whom do they participate at work?
- with neighbouring air traffic control units and the remaining airlines at airports.
- in the centre of area control and with neighbouring units.
Which competencies do they have?
- is completely sovereign with their work.
Professional competencies/necessary knowledge, skills and expertise
- control and manage air traffic and co-ordinate work with neighbouring air traffic control units
- in the event of a dangerous situation the controller adopts a quick decision and overtakes a great responsibility. It is important that the like working in a team-
Results of the work of an air traffic controller:
- safe, flowing and organised air traffic.
Psycho physical capabilities and personality traits
From the personality traits, responsibility, ingenuity, patience, calmness, ability to work in a team, communication, punctuality and self-initiation are personality traits that are of significant importance.
Necessary intellectual abilities include the ability to infer, memory, expression, analyzing and concentration.
Working Environment
Work is done in pairs in a specially arranged closed room, which can be the air traffic control centre or the control tower.
Work can aggravate less friendly characteristics of the environment such as noise at the airport, fumes (from fuel) or lighting /artificial light on the air traffic control complex), which for the most part does not have an impact on health, psycho-physical abilities or personality traits of the employee.
They sit and can also turn around when performing the services.
Work takes place in shifts every day of the week and also during holidays.
The work schedule is determined by superiors - head of air traffic control.
Work also requires preparation at home.
This profession can have hearing and eyesight with high a dioptre and a speech impediment is a significant health issue.
The candidate for performing the services and tasks of an air traffic controller (hereinafter: candidate) must full the following conditions prior to the start of basic training.
- have at least a V level of education,
- have a valid health report card of the prescribed category, which is not older than 30 days,
- be in command of the English language to the extent, which is at least the same as the ICAO level 3 of English.
- successfully complete the adequacy test.
The exception are candidates who already have a valid air traffic controller licence, issued in any of the other countries and MZP recognises their validity and with this the validity of each rating or authorisation.
Prerequisites for employment
The first prerequisite for temporary employment is the completion of a high school vocational or general education and a successfully completed selection, which allows the candidate to enter basic training.
Permanent employment is only possible after the candidate successfully completes the professional training for a certain rating or authorisation. With this the controller shows their competence. It is renewed once a year or after termination at work longer than two months.
Further employee training
They are obliged to attend refresher courses and emergency procedure courses every year Their qualifications are regularly verified every year.
In case they need to, the controller can additionally qualify themselves for an additional rating or authorisation.
Progression Employees have the opportunity to progress within a working position, from any easy to a more demanding work position or as an instructor or head of shifts.
Conditions in the labour market and perspectives
At the moment, 2000 could be employed within Europe as air traffic, approach or area surveillance controllers.
It is anticipated that the employability of this staff will be higher in the future because air traffic is on the rise.
Employment abroad
The knowledge acquired is international and is mostly recognised anywhere so that opportunity for employment is quite high.
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