Air traffic controller
Tasks
- Accompanies pupil on training flights and demonstrates flying techniques.
- Handles emergencies, unscheduled traffic and other unanticipated incidents.
- Plans flight route, calculate fuel consumption and optimum flying height and obtains information on weather and other conditions, such as cargo distribution.
- Gives landing Instructions to pilot and monitors descent.
- Directs the movement of aircraft and maintains radio and/or radar or visual contact en-route to its destination, in and out of controlled airspace or into holding areas ready for landing.
- Maintains radio contact and discusses weather conditions with air traffic controllers.
- Monitors fuel consumption, air pressure, engine performance and other indicators during flight and advises pilot of any factors that affect the navigation or performance of the aircraft.
- Directs or undertakes the operation of controls to fly airplanes and helicopters, complying with air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures.
- Directs or undertakes checks on engines, instruments, control panels, cargo distribution, fuel supplies, aircraft's stability, response to controls and overall performance.
- Studies flight plan and makes any necessary adjustments.
Typical Education Level
Certificate
Will retirement created job openings
In the UK, 19% in this profession are aged 55 or above.* They will likely retire in the next 10 years, creating a demand for new workers
*This is based on national data
£69,284 Average wage
Average annual earnings
The current average wage for air traffic controller is £69,284
735 positions
Current Employment
The number of jobs in the career for the current year is 735. Job counts include both employed and self-employed persons, and do not distinguish between full- and part-time jobs.
jobs
Job Postings
Over the past year, jobs have been posted for air traffic controller roles.
How well does it pay?
Normal pay for this occupation is £69,284 per year. That is about £5,774 per month or £35.53 per hour. New workers generally start on £43,667, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as £129,225
Is it growing or declining?
This career has remained the same over the last 2 years, and is expected to remain the same over the next 4 years. Currently, 735 people are employed in the region.
