Air Traffic Controller is the person responsible 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 ATC's has increased a lot. This job is also considered as adventurous as they may get a chance flying one of the planes themselves. This profession not only provides a thrill but also provides an opportunity to face challenges on daily basis. To discharge his duties efficiently and effectively he requires special training and knowledge in more than one area like air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operations of sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls, leading the aircraft under adverse circumstances.
Air Traffic Controller Eligibility
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for becoming an Air Traffic Controller in India, one should have an Engineering Degree in Electronics / Telecommunication / Radio Engineering / Electrical or Master’s Degree in Electronics or any discipline with electronics,telecom, radio physics, as specialization subjects or Master's with physics, maths or computer science with First Class (60% or above).
Note: Preference is sometimes given to CPL holders with basic knowledge of computers.
Age Limits
Lower age limit is 21 years, while the upper age limit is 27 years.
Physical Standards
Contrary to popular belief, one does not need perfect health or perfect eyesight to become an 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.
Air Traffic Controller Required Skills
- Air Traffic Controllers should have an interest in the aviation industry, good spatial orientation, a good memory, able to think fast and able to make quick decisions.
- They also possess multi-tasking ability, comfortable with numbers, enjoy working in a team, able to work shifts and be assertive and confident.
- They should be stress resistant and stay calm under pressure; able and willing to adapt and service-oriented.
- Air Traffic Controllers should have excellent eyesight and hearing, and excellent health in general.
- The job of an Air Traffic Controller demands intensive training with loads of added responsibility for the safety of lives of hundreds. For this one needs to be highly disciplined, patient, responsible, punctual, committed and self-confident.
- The job requires a lot of hard work, stamina, alertness of mind, adaptability to follow difficult time schedules and good team spirit as well. Although a number of subordinate staff personnel are there, to share this responsibility an ATC is one of the most important people on an aerodrome because he never gets a chance to rectify his mistake if committed during discharging his duties whereas others can get away with a few.
How to become an Air Traffic Controller?
To become 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. The written test comprises of 4 papers i.e:
- Paper of concerned Engineering Branch
- General English
- General Knowledge and
- Numerical/Logical Ability
Step 2
After passing through this preliminary test one has to undergo other following given tests-
- Voice Test
- Personal Interview
- Medical Fitness as per ICA
Step 3
After passing the test, given at Step 2, the selected candidates are sent for a one-year long training schedule at Civil Aviation Training College, Allahabad, UP. In this year-long training, the selected candidates have 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.
Step 4
After successful completion of the training the candidates are employed as Junior Executive (ATC) and after two years are promoted to Assistant Manager (ATC).
Some of the Important Institutes Offering ATC course:
- Civil Aviation Training College, Allahabad
- Area Control Training Centre, Hyderabad
Air Traffic Controller Job Description
- Air Traffic controller guide aircraft for safe take-off, landing and en-route navigation. They assist not only flights taking off and landing from Indian Airports but also assist planes crossing from the India airspace.
- Air Traffic controllers design the sequencing of air traffic in the airspace and along predetermined routes of arrival and departure to and from airports around the world.
- ATC’s also monitor all ground movements of aircraft, takeoffs and landings, handling approach control monitors for approaching and departing traffic, and en-route control by visual observations from the ATC towers and through radars.
- They also assist Pilots in the air and on the ground for all manoeuvres right till the end of the plane journey.
Air Traffic Controller Career Prospects
Regarding the 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
Besides in India, there are some jobs with companies such as Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, and some small private airports. India Air Force also recruits ATC Officers who are responsible for providing control and advisory services to the Pilots of Indian Air Force.
Air Traffic Controller Salary
During training, trainees are paid a stipend of Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000 p.m. 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. Rs.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 outstation allowances, as well as free/concessional air passages for their immediate family members and dependants.
