Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers give information and instructions to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.

Also known as: Air traffic control officer

• Starter salary£48,000 a year
• Experienced£100,000 a year
• Typical hours35 to 45 a week

What you'll do

Your tasks will vary depending on which type of air traffic controller you are. 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 give 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

As a controller, you could:

• make sure safe distances are maintained between aircraft
• keep in radio contact with flight crew and give instructions
• hand over aircraft control from your sector to the next one on the flight path
• prevent collisions between planes and other obstacles on runways
• respond to emergencies
• monitor data

Working environment

You could work in an airport control tower.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

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
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

How to become a air traffic controller

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• a trainee scheme

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this career, for example:

• Aviation Flight Operations Co-ordinator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Aviation Operations Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Air Traffic Controller Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

You may be able to work in 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

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 must also successfully complete several assessment stages before being offered a training place.

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 will continue while you're 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.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass security checks
• pass a medical check
• be over 18 years of age

You should be eligible to work in the UK.

You must be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into training and assessing new controllers, or become a supervisor or unit manager.

You could also move into airport operations management.

Career tips

Senior air traffic controllers' salaries can range from £70,000 to over £100,000 at larger UK airports.

Guides for this industry

• Transport & Logistics: pay, interviews and getting started →

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