Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Introduction:

Air traffic control is one among the many career paths you can choose from, to work in an airport. It is a profession that requires highly specialized knowledge, skill and ability. Air traffic controllers alias ATC Officers (ATCO's) are people trained to maintain the safe, orderly and prompt flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. They are essential to the efficiency of airports and the airline industry. Pilots need active support from air traffic controllers to fly safely. Air traffic controllers track, guide and control both the take off and landing of airplanes, as well as the air traffic above and in the general vicinity of the airport.

Job Prospects and Career Opportunities:

Air traffic controllers are a part of an extensive network of technicians and generally work in teams. As soon as they enter the airspace of the airport, each controller is assigned with a fixed number of planes. They manages all aspects of the allotted aircraft's flight. Apart from communicating with the pilot, air traffic controllers typically perform:

· Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air, using radar, computers, or visual references

· Control all ground traffic at airports, including baggage vehicles and airport workers

· Manage communications by transferring control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accepting control of arriving flights

· Provide information to pilots, such as weather updates, runway closures and other critical information

· Alert airport response staff, in the event of an aircraft emergency

· Maintain and prepare the control tower or control centers for emergencies.

Air Traffic Control sector offers numerous job prospects. Students who have successfully completed their ATC training are directly absorbed by various Central Government departments engaged in Aviation research and technology like ISRO, Defense Ministry, Aeronautical Laboratories, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Airport Authority of India and many other departments. Indian Air Force and Indian Navy recruits ATC's through Service Selection Board (SSB).

Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities or en-route centers of airports.

Salary Scale:

Pay Scale of air traffic controllers varies considerably depending on one's qualification, experience and the type of aircraft they work for. The initial pay scale of Junior Executive ATC is around Rs. 40,000/- per month. With years of experience, this field may command a gross income of Rs. 1,50,000/- .

In addition, an ATC receives different allowances based on the acquired skills. These are known as rating allowances which each air traffic controller receives although the amount of the allowance vary depending on the city with which he or she is assigned.

Associate Degree in Air Traffic Control:

Two-year associate degree programs in air traffic control introduce students to the regulation of air traffic, which involves helping planes maintain a safe distance from each other. They learn about the different policies of the federal government, as well as natural influences that disrupt air traffic. They also take classes that introduce the basics of aviation. Coursework may include:

· Aviation technology

· Aviation regulations

· Air traffic control procedures

· Aviation meteorology

· Airport management

Bachelor's Degree in Air Traffic Control:

A 4-year degree in air traffic control is designed for students who want to be FAA air traffic controllers. These air traffic controllers oversee the entire U.S. air traffic control system and look out for situations that could create congestion in airspace.

This degree program includes many of the same courses as the associate degree program, with the addition of general education classes. Courses that may be required at the bachelor's level are:

· Aviation fundamentals

· Aviation rules

· Aviation meteorology

· Air traffic control systems

· Transportation safety

Tuesday 4 April 2017