Editing Air traffic controller (section)

{{Short description|Aviation specialist}}
{{distinguish|Flight dispatcher|flight controller}}
{{Other uses|Air Traffic Controller (disambiguation)}}
{{use dmy dates |date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox Occupation
| name= Air traffic controller
| image= Air traffic controller Skyguide at Airport Zurich.jpg
| caption= An air traffic controller working in a tower at [[Zurich International Airport]], Switzerland.
| official_names=
<!------------Details------------------->
| type= [[Profession]] 
| activity_sector= [[Aviation|Civil aviation]] or [[Military]]
| competencies= good [[short-term memory]], [[situational awareness]], communication and multitasking skills, quick and assertive decision making abilities, ability to perform under [[Stress (biology)|stress]] or pressure, flexibility and general [[aversives|situational aversives]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Institute |first=International Training |date=2024-10-14 |title=Mastering the Skies: 10 essential skills for air traffic controllers |url=https://internationaltraininginstitute.edu.vn/mastering-the-skies-10-essential-skills-for-air-traffic-controllers/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=International Training Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>
| formation= Certification by local aviation authority (e.g. [[FAA]]) under [[ICAO]] rules and regulations.
| employment_field= Public and private sectors, both military and civil. Varies by country.
| related_occupation=
}}

An '''Air traffic controller (ATC)''' is a person responsible for the coordination of traffic in their assigned [[airspace]]. Typically stationed in [[area control center]]s or [[control tower]]s, they monitor the position, speed, and altitude of aircraft and communicate with the pilots via radio. In addition, controllers ensure safe distances between the different aircraft.<ref name=":0" />

The profession is considered to be highly demanding and stressful due to the need for constant reorganization of cognitive processes, flexible adjustments and continuous decision-making, also often while under time pressure. Factors such as unfavorable work schedules, high responsibility and the reliability of equipment further influence workload and stress levels.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Costa |first=Giovanni |url=https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_protect/@protrav/@safework/documents/publication/wcms_250120.pdf |title=Occupational Stress and Stress Prevention in Air Traffic Control |date=1996 |publisher=International Labour Office |isbn=978-92-2-110070-6 |location=Geneva |pages=1–3}}</ref> Despite these challenges, the role offers competitive salaries and strong job security, which are often cited as key benefits.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Air Traffic Controllers |url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Bureau of Labor Statistics |language=en-us}}</ref>