During training much attention is focused on the ability of air traffic controllers to absorb data quickly from a variety of sources, and to use them to visualize, in time and space, the position of each aircraft under control, and to project this forward into the near future. This skill is termed situational awareness (having the picture or having the flick), and is central to the job.
Almost universally, trainee controllers begin to work in their twenties, and retire in the fifties. Strict physical and psychological tests and excellent vision, hearing, speaking skills are a requirement, and controllers must take precautions to remain healthy and avoid certain medications that are banned for controllers. As controllers have a large responsibility while on duty, the ATC profession is often regarded as one of the most difficult jobs today, and can be often stressful.
| Although local languages are sometimes used in ATC communications, the language of aviation worldwide is English. Controllers dealing with foreign crews are supposed to show a certain minimum level (Operational) of competency with the language in accordance with ICAO requirements.
Communication is a vital part of the job: controllers are trained to focus precisely on the words pilots and other controllers say, because a single misunderstanding about a flight level or a runway number, for example, can result in tragedy.
Civilian Air Traffic Controllers’ licensing is standardized by international agreement through ICAO. A lot of countries have Air Traffic Control schools, colleges or Academies. They train student controllers from walking in off the street to the standards required to hold an Air Traffic Control licence, which will contain one or more ratings. ICAO defines five such ratings: Area (procedural), Area Radar, Approach (procedural), Approach Radar and Aerodrome.
A learning process is extensive because air traffic controllers require knowledge of the following: meteorology, geography, navigation and navigation aids, maps and charts, operational procedures. They learn very precise definitions, rules and regulations.
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Whenever an air traffic controller starts his \her career, or is posted to a new unit or starts working for a new sector within a particular unit, he or she must undergo a period of training regarding the procedures specific to that particular unit or sector. The most of this training is done in a live position controlling real aircraft and is termed On-the-Job Training (OJT), with a fully qualified and trained mentor or On-the-Job Training Instructor who are ready to take over in a second if it becomes necessary. The length of this phase of training varies from a matter of months to many years, depending on the complexity of the sector. Only when a person has gone through all these training stages, he will be allowed to control on his own.
Training is ongoing not only because of knowledge required in ever-changing working locations, but also because of ever-changing equipment and continual updates to rules and regulations.
Air traffic controllers work in a special room for controllers – the operations room. This room should be comfortable and well-equipped. The room has some control suites for controllers and a supervisor’s desk.
| There are indicators of primary and secondary radars. What is more, each working place is equipped with ADF. There is a meteorological screen available overhead left or right of the working place. It shows current weather for the airport. All controllers sit at special desks with built-in radar screens to observe traffic and to get all necessary information about aircraft. Controllers also draw diagrams to keep traffic information under control and to predict dangerous situations in case of any electrical failure. In addition, there are touch screens to coordinate work with pilots, the adjacent areas, neighbouring ATC units, militaries and other services. Controllers have two-way communication and use a microphone to contact pilots and to give instructions to them.
Air Traffic Control is a 24 hour, 365-days-a –year job, except at quieter airports. Controllers usually work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays. Controllers’ working hours are governed by federal law. Controller may not work more than 10 hours a day or more than 6 days without a day off in case of emergencies. They are normally scheduled to work 40 hours per week. Overtime work is becoming common as the number of controllers is reduced. In most countries controllers do not normally work more than a two-hour stretch on an operating position at one time.
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It is common to work on a position for 1-2 hours and then take a 15-30 minute break.
Nearly always air traffic controllers work indoors in control centers and at radar terminals. Occasionally they work outside when observing aircraft from the ground. Controllers can retire at the age of 50 with 20 years active service or at any age after 25 years active service.
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The 20th of October is the World’s Air Traffic Controllers’ Day. It is a day when many air traffic control officers world-wide celebrate their own day and publicize their profession. This day has been celebrated every year since 1961.
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