Job Description of an Air Traffic Controller

The nature of job of an Air Traffic Controller demands a very high degree of alertness and capability of decision making. The Controller's reflexes and his memory has to be honed razor-sharp in order to help him correlate all data instantly to arrive at a decision while resolving air traffic situations. He utilises all his senses while discharging his functions as a Controller. Be it day or night, weekday or a weekend, festival day or a holiday, teatime or dinnertime, the Controller is expected to be in full command of his sensory organs to deal with any situation that may arise during the discharge of his duties.

Here in this job, you got to take decision in splits of second and decision has be correct only, there is no opportunity of correcting a mistake. And one mistake, one incorrect decision by you, could very easily translate into untimely termination of maybe one thousand lives.

Controller is supposed to remain in full mental alertness at all times. Any lack of response or slackening of vigil on his part while in command can result in disaster and as such he can just not afford the luxury of mental or physical relaxation. Despite tension filled life, what motivates an Air Traffic Controller is a personal satisfaction the job gives which not only holds the highest degree of professionalism but also helps thousands of passengers reach their destinations safely.

"There is nothing like a good Air Traffic Controller or a bad Air Traffic Controller. A Controller is a Controller. One who could not obtain the required competence and confidence- has already left the job and is doing something else, elsewhere."

So demanding is the job of Air Traffic Controllers that no compromise can be made in respect of their physical as well as mental fitness as a Controller. As such, an intensive training schedule has to be maintained during the entire period of Controller's activity. In order to remain an Air Traffic Controller, it is mandatory that the Air Traffic Controller continuously enriches himself with sound job knowledge, integrate his theoretical knowledge with on- the- job practice of air space management, clear examinations and undertake simulation of Air Traffic Control Emergencies conducted from time to time by the training centre.