|
This profession
only needs the ability to visualize quickly
and solve in real time, what must be considered a complex three
dimensional problem involving the intuitive calculation of closure rates,
separations, differential speeds and rates of climb and descend. In heavy
traffic situations the responsibility shouldered is awesome.
A
degree of stress is always present as a single moment of
inattention – or a simple oversight or miscalculation –can lead to a
catastrophe. Few jobs involve the unremitting effort, focus and
concentration required of a controller.
 The
essential role of Air Traffic Controller has been described simply as
converting traffic
demand into traffic flow.
In
this simple statement is encompassed a wide range of functions
and skills, not all of which are common to every ATC task, but
all of which depend heavily on the human element, the Air
Traffic Controller.
Every
traffic situation is different and must be resolved in real time without
error. A large number of details have to be remembered and factored into
every decision.
In
most jobs one can usually get by with odd slip-up or an occasionally
unfocused mind. Not so in Air Traffic Control where the margin for error
is zero.
|
