Air Traffic Controller - How to become a Air Traffic Controller

As the name itself suggests the work profile of an Air traffic controller is to manage the flow of Air machines in the sky be it Fighter, Commercial, Airbus or any other planes. With the globalization of the world and increasing use of the airways the responsibility of these professionals has increased a lot. But this job is also considered as adventurous as flying one of them itself. This profession not only provides glamour to once life but also provides an opportunity to face challenges on daily basis.But to get this one has to be really dedicated and hardworking.  The job of an Air Traffic Controller demands intensive training with loads of added responsibility to carry hundreds of lives to their destination safely. For this one should have discipline, patience, responsibility, punctuality, commitment and self-confidence. The job requires a lot of hard work, stamina, alertness of mind, adaptability to follow difficult time schedules, good team spirit too. Although a number of subordinate staff personnel are there  to share this responsibility but an ATC is one of  the most important person on an aerodrum because he never gets a chance to rectify his mistake if committed during discharging his duties where as other can get away with few.

To discharge his duties efficiently and effectively he requires special training and knowledge in  more then one area like air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operations of sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls, leading the aircraft under adverse circumstances, and being a leader climatic and other emergency situations.

 Eligibility to be a Air Traffic Controller

1. Educational Qualification

To be eligible for becoming an Air Traffic Controller in India one should be Engineering degree in Electronics/ Telecommunication/ Radio Engg/ Electrical/ Master’s Degree in Electronics OR equivalent, with First Class (60% or above)

2. Age

Lower age limit is 21 years, while the upper age limit is 27 years.

3. Physical Standards

Contrary to popular belief one do not need perfect health or perfect eyesight to become a ATC. However General physical fitness is mandatory. One must be free of any disease that can hamper normal function. Your vision in one eye must be perfect. In general medical terminology, it is called 6/6 eyesight. In the other eye, you could have an imperfection of 6/9, which must be correctable to 6/6.

However the above given one or more condition can vary to some extent with state/Country.

Process to be an Air Traffic Controller

To be an Air Traffic Controller one has to follow the below given steps:-

Step 1

To become an ATC, one has to apply for the civil ATC test taken by the Civil Aviation Authority from time to time as per their requirements.

Step 2

After passing through this preliminary test one has to undergo other following given tests

i.          Voice test

ii.         Personal Interview

iii.        Medical fitness as per ICA

Step3

After passing the test given at Step 2 the selected candidates are sent for one year long training schedule at Civil Aviation Training College, Allahabad, UP. In this year long training the selected candidates are imparted training on modules like Air Traffic Services, Aerodromes and Ground Aids, Air Legislation, Meteorology, Communication Procedure, Technical, Search and Rescue and Air Navigation etc.

Step4

After successful completion of the training the candidates are employed as Junior Executive (ATC) and after two years are promoted to Assistant Manager (ATC)

Scope and Career options for an ATC

Regarding scope of a successful ATC candidate Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the sole employer of the civil ATCs, in India and training is imparted only after recruitment. So if one clears the training successfully he/she is guaranteed of the job

 Hierarchy of ATC

 Junior Executive

Assistant Manager

Manager

Senior Manager

Assistant General Manager

Deputy General Manager

Joint General Manager

General Manager

Executive Director

Now the Million Dollar Question is what one gets after Becoming an ATC

During training, trainees are paid a stipend of Rs. 10,000 pm with free lodging and boarding at CATC, Allahabad, UP. After completion of the training and joining as ATC the pay scale for Junior Executive (ATC) is approx. INR 8600-250-14600

They also get attractive remuneration and incentives including contributory provident fund, gratuity, medical facilities and free/concessional air passage etc. They are also provided with a range of benefits and allowances in addition to housing facilities, medical expenses and out- station allowances, as well as free/concessional air passages for their immediate family members and dependants