Editing Air traffic controller

{{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>

== History ==

=== Origins ===
Air traffic controlling dates to the early 1920s in the United Kingdom (UK); the first [[Air traffic control|control tower]] was established in 1920 at [[Croydon Airport]]. [[Jimmy Jeffs]] was issued the first Air Traffic Control License. Before 1922 air traffic controllers only provided information to the pilots on the ground.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=Trinidad and Tobago Air Traffic Controllers |date=2020-09-08 |title=The Birth of Air Traffic Control |url=https://www.ttatca.org/post/the-birth-of-atc |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=TTATCA |language=en}}</ref> In the United States (US), [[Archie League]] is regarded as the first air traffic controller and was hired by the city of [[St. Louis]] in 1929 to prevent collisions. The first ATCs used basic visual communication methods such as flags to communicate with pilots.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |work=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] |date=16 Nov 2021 |title=Photo Album - Air Traffic Control |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/history/photo_album/air_traffic_control |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129122921/https://www.faa.gov/about/history/photo_album/air_traffic_control |archive-date=29 Jan 2025 |access-date=4 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=NATCA |date=4 Feb 2025 |title=A History of Air Traffic Control |url=https://www.natca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/NATCA_ATC_History.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512012956/http://www.natca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/NATCA_ATC_History.pdf8 |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |access-date=4 Feb 2024}}</ref>

=== Introduction of radar and radio communication ===
[[File:A Waaf Corporal Ach-gd Watches From the Control Tower As An Aircraft Comes in CH8136.jpg|thumb|A [[Women's Auxiliary Air Force]] Corporal watching an aircraft approach from a control tower. On the table are a radio receiver, hand-held [[Signal lamp|Aldis signalling lamp]], and log book.]]
In 1930 [[Cleveland Airport]] opened the first tower using two-way radio communication and in 1946 [[Weir-Cook Airport|Indianapolis International Airport]] (then Weir-Cook airport) became the first civilian airport to have radar installed.<ref name=":1" /> This allowed controllers to monitor aircraft positions in real-time, even in poor visibility conditions. Together with radio communication with the pilots, this laid the foundation for [[Ground-controlled approach|Ground Control Approaches]] and later [[Instrument landing system|Instrument landing system (ILS)]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |date=2021-10-21 |title=Air Traffic Control |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/air-traffic-control |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=airandspace.si.edu |language=en}}</ref> These innovations fundamentally changed the profession of air traffic controllers from guidance and ground controlling to actively guiding planes that are already in the air and making sure they land safely.<ref name="auto1"/>

=== Developments until today ===
Since the introduction of radar in the 1950s, the field of air traffic control is still undergoing major innovations; [[Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast]] (ADS-B) technology is being expanded world wide providing even more accurate position information to the controller providing them with more advanced assistance systems.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The Role of Technology in Modern Air Traffic Control |url=https://www.careerroo.com/magazine/the-role-of-technology-in-modern-air-traffic-control/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Careerroo |language=en}}</ref>

=== Future prospects ===
{{See also|Next Generation Air Transportation System}}

With new technologies such as [[artificial intelligence]] emerging, efforts to automate certain tasks of ATCs began.<ref name=":2" />

The focus of the industry is on the development of assisting and predicting artificial intelligence tools as well as the automation of repetitive tasks rather than attempts to replace the controllers.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-29 |title=How AI is being piloted to help direct air traffic at Heathrow airport |url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/11/29/one-of-the-worlds-busiest-airports-is-piloting-using-ai-to-assist-air-traffic-control |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=euronews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pritchett |first=Amy |date=2024-02-12 |title=Why AI can't replace air traffic controllers |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/why-ai-cant-replace-air-trafficcontrollers/index.html |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Digitalisation and AI in air traffic control: balancing innovation with the human element {{!}} EUROCONTROL |url=https://www.eurocontrol.int/article/digitalisation-and-ai-air-traffic-control-balancing-innovation-human-element |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=eurocontrol.int |language=en}}</ref> There is a consensus among developers and airport operators that, in the foreseeable future, air traffic controllers will tend to be more of a system manager overseeing decisions made by automated systems and intervening to resolve unexpected situations, which is currently one of the most difficult tasks for artificial intelligence, making full replacement unlikely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Copperchase |date=2024-06-19 |title=What Changes Could We See In The Future Of Air Traffic Control? |url=https://www.copperchase.co.uk/changes-could-see-air-traffic-control/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Copperchase Ltd |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Innovation in the air traffic control service |url=https://www.innosuisse.admin.ch/en/innovation-in-the-air-traffic-control-service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250205234323/https://www.innosuisse.admin.ch/en/innovation-in-the-air-traffic-control-service |archive-date=2025-02-05 |access-date=2025-02-05 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=SESAR Joint Undertaking. |url=https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2829/945876 |title=Automation in air traffic management :long term vision and initial research roadmap : summary report. |date=2020 |publisher=Publications Office |location=LU |doi=10.2829/945876|isbn=978-92-9216-159-0 }}</ref> One challenge with partially automated workflows is the potential for skill and knowledge disintegration due to reduced daily practice. One possible solution is the use of computer-based training or [[simulation]] technologies to maintain continuous learning and proficiency.<ref>{{Cite web |work=EASA Together4Safety |publisher=[[European Union Aviation Safety Agency]] |date=4 Aug 2021 |title=Safety Issue Report – Skills and Knowledge Degradation due to Lack of Recent Practice |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/community/system/files/2021-08/Safety%20Issue%20Report%20-%20%20Skills%20and%20Knowledge%20Degradation_REV2%20Clean_0.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001112128/https://www.easa.europa.eu/community/system/files/2021-08/Safety%20Issue%20Report%20-%20%20Skills%20and%20Knowledge%20Degradation_REV2%20Clean_0.pdf |archive-date=1 Oct 2024 |access-date=6 Feb 2025}}</ref>

Another approach to modernization is the construction of fully digital [[remote and virtual tower]]s that can be accessed from anywhere in the world allowing for controllers to work remotely. Developments are already advanced, with the first remote-controlled tower having opened in Sweden in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remote ATC towers and the changing airport landscape |url=https://www.internationalairportreview.com/article/115098/remote-digital-towers-evolution-atm/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=International Airport Review |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-06-30 |title=World's first remote air traffic control tower to open in Sweden |url=https://newatlas.com/worlds-first-remote-air-traffic-control-tower-saab-sweden/32735/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=New Atlas |language=en-US}}</ref>

Another concern is the acceptance or willingness by the controllers to use such technology. In a study with 500 air traffic controllers Bekier et al. found that as soon as the focus of decision-making shifts away from the air traffic controller, support for the technology dramatically decreases.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bekier |first1=Marek |last2=Molesworth |first2=Brett R. C. |last3=Williamson |first3=Ann |date=2012-02-01 |title=Tipping point: The narrow path between automation acceptance and rejection in air traffic management |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092575351100230X |journal=Safety Science |volume=50 |issue=2 |pages=259–265 |doi=10.1016/j.ssci.2011.08.059 |issn=0925-7535|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== Roles ==

===Area controllers===
Area controllers (also called "en route" or in the US "center controllers") oversee aircraft at higher altitudes, in the en-route phase of their flight surrounding busier airports and airspace. In contrast to tower controllers, their job is dominated by the discovery of conflicts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Area Controller {{!}} SKYbrary Aviation Safety |url=https://skybrary.aero/articles/area-controller |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=skybrary.aero}}</ref> Area controllers may also handle aircraft at lower altitudes as well as air traffic around small airports that do not have their own towers or approach controllers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=APPENDIX E NATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM |url=https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/860/Airport-Master-Plan-Update-Appendix-E-National-Air-Traffic-Control-System-PDF |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |website=Jeffco.us}}</ref> Area controllers are responsible for specific sectors of 3D blocks of airspace with defined dimensions. Each sector is managed by at least one area controller, known as an "R-side" (Radar) controller that handles radio communications. During busier times of traffic, there may also be a second area controller, known as a "D-side" (Data), assigned to the same area in order to assist the R-side Area controller.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Know Your Pros - Center Air Traffic Controllers (Part 1) |url=https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/2014/01/air-route-traffic-control-centers/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=boldmethod.com}}</ref> This can be done with or without the use of radar: radar allows a sector to handle much more traffic; however, [[procedural control]] is used in many areas where traffic levels do not justify radar or the installation of radar is not feasible, such as over oceans.

Area controllers operate within [[area control center]]s, also known as centers or en-route centers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RaiseMe |title=En route controllers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more - RaiseMe |url=https://www.raise.me/careers/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers/en-route-controllers/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=raise.me |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=EUROCONTROL |title=Become an air traffic controller |url=https://atco.eurocontrol.int/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Recruitment of student Air Traffic Controllers}}</ref> where they are controlling high-level en-route aircraft. In the United States, these facilities are specifically referred to as Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) {{!}} SKYbrary Aviation Safety |url=https://skybrary.aero/articles/air-route-traffic-control-center-artcc |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=skybrary.aero}}</ref> Area controllers can also work in [[terminal control center]]s, which control aircraft climbing from or descending to major groups of airports.

=== Aerodrome or tower ===
[[File:Control tower at Birmingham Airport, England 27June2019 arp.jpg|thumb|Controllers often work from a control tower like this one at [[Birmingham Airport]], England]]Aerodrome or Tower controllers control aircraft within the immediate vicinity of the airport and use visual observation from the airport tower. The tower's airspace is often a {{convert|5|nmi|km|adj=on}} radius around the airport, but can vary greatly in size and shape depending on traffic configuration and volume.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-05 |title=What is an airport control tower really for? |url=https://worldaviationato.com/en/airport-control-tower/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=World Aviation ATO |language=en}}</ref>

The tower positions are typically split into many different positions such as Flight Data/Clearance Delivery, Ground Control, and Local Control (known as Tower by the pilots); at busier facilities, a limited radar approach control position may be needed.<ref name=":4" />

The roles of the positions are:<ref name=":4" />
* Flight Data/Clearance Delivery: Issues [[Instrument flight rules|IFR]] flight plan clearances, obtains squawk codes for [[Visual flight rules|VFR]] aircraft, helps with coordination for GC/LC, and cuts the [[Automatic terminal information service|ATIS]] (weather). FD/CD is commonly known in the profession as the secretary of the tower.
* Ground: Issues [[Taxiing|taxi]] instructions and authorizes aircraft/vehicle movements on the airport except the active runway(s); controllers are not responsible for aircraft movement on ramps or other designated non-movement areas.
* Local (Tower): Issues takeoff and landing instructions/clearances and authorizes aircraft/vehicle movements on or across runways.
* Approach: Issues instructions to aircraft who are intending to land at the airport. This involves vectoring aircraft in a safe, orderly, and expeditious manner and, if needed, stacking the aircraft at different holding altitudes.

===Civilian/military===
[[File:US Navy 060505-N-9079D-025 Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class David McKeehe works approach controller in Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATTC).jpg|thumb|right|A military air traffic controller at approach control on the {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|6}} (CVN-72).|219x219px]]
Civilian ATCs handle commercial and general aviation such as [[airliner]]s and [[Business jet|private jets]] while military controllers usually oversee airspace or airports of armed forces. Some civilian airports are part of military airports and therefore serviced by military controllers also known as [[Joint-use airport|joint-use]].<ref name="j099">{{cite web |title=Joint Civilian/Military (Joint-Use) Airports |website=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] |date=2 Aug 2022 |url=https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/joint_use_airports |access-date=9 Feb 2025}}</ref> In some countries all air traffic controlling is handled by the military and all controllers are soldiers.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 September 2008 |title=Air traffic control still causing disruption in Brazil |url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/air-traffic-control-still-causing-disruption-in-brazil-3687 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213224315/http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/air-traffic-control-still-causing-disruption-in-brazil-3687 |archive-date=13 December 2014 |access-date=13 December 2014 |publisher=Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) |quote=Besides Brazil, the only nations in which the military retains complete control of civilian traffic are Paraguay and Uganda.}}</ref>[[File:Civilian air traffic controllers, Memphis.jpg|thumb|right|Civilian air traffic controllers, [[Memphis International Airport]], 1962|217x217px]]

=== Public/private ===
Historically, controllers were civil servants in most countries. While many countries still have public ATC services countries like Canada already have implemented mixed or fully privatized models <ref>{{Cite web |title=Canada's experience with ATC privatization |url=https://www.cba.org/Sections/Air-and-Space-Law/Articles/ATC-privatization |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=cba.org |language=en}}</ref> Globally, the trend toward privatization varies. While some countries have fully privatized their ATC services, others maintain public control or adopt hybrid models.<ref name="l721">{{cite web |last=Scribner |first=Marc |date=May 2023 |title=ANNUAL PRIVATIZATION REPORT: AVIATION |url=https://reason.org/wp-content/uploads/annual-privatization-report-2023-aviation.pdf |access-date=9 Feb 2025}}</ref>

== Skills and abilities ==
As air traffic controllers carry a high responsibility, they are typically required to meet high requirements and possess distinct skills. These include strong [[situational awareness]], organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously as well as always being thorough and paying attention to detail. Controllers must be able to make quick decisions, particularly in dynamic or high-stress situations. Communication is a critical aspect of the job; controllers are expected to possess excellent verbal communication skills to exchange precise information with pilots and other controllers as clarity and accuracy are essential to maintaining safety.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Air Traffic Controllers |url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-4 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Bureau of Labor Statistics |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Air traffic controller {{!}} Explore Careers {{!}} National Careers Service |url=https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/air-traffic-controller |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=nationalcareers.service.gov.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref>

Although local languages are sometimes used in ATC communications, the default language of aviation worldwide is [[Aviation English]]. Controllers who do not speak English as a first language are expected to show a certain minimum level of competency.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Multi-language ATC Operations {{!}} SKYbrary Aviation Safety |url=https://skybrary.aero/articles/multi-language-atc-operations |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=skybrary.aero}}</ref>

== Working conditions ==

===Work patterns===
Typically, controllers work for 90 to 120 minutes followed by a 30-minute break.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eurocontrol |date=26 Apr 2023 |title=GUIDELINES ON FATIGUE MANAGEMENT IN ATC ROSTERING SYSTEMS |url=https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/files/bookshelf/34421.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219235017/https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/files/bookshelf/34421.pdf |archive-date=19 Dec 2024 |access-date=9 Feb 2025 |website=skybrary.aero}}</ref> Except at quieter airports, air traffic control operates 24/7, 365 days a year, requiring controllers to work rotating shifts that include nights, weekends, and public holidays. Shift schedules are usually set 28 days in advance.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Arnvig |first1=Mette |last2=Beermann |first2=Beate |last3=Köper |first3=Birgirt |last4=Maziul |first4=Maren |last5=Mellett |first5=Úna |last6=Niesing |first6=Cees |last7=Vogt |first7=Joachim |date=14 Apr 2006 |title=Managing Shiftwork in European ATM: Literature Review |url=https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/files/bookshelf/5594.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220094844/https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/files/bookshelf/5594.pdf |archive-date=20 Dec 2024 |access-date=9 Feb 2025 |website=Eurocontrol}}</ref> In many countries, the structure of controllers' shift patterns is regulated to allow for adequate time off. The shift pattern often varies depending on country, facility and its location. In the US the FAA regulates the hours that an air traffic controller may work. Controllers may not work more than 10 straight hours during a shift, which includes required breaks, and must have 9 hours of rest before their next shift.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Traffic Controllers |url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-3 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=Bureau of Labor Statistics |language=en-us}}</ref> In the US air traffic controllers usually work a relatively unique rotating shift schedule, called the 2-2-1. Working the 2-2-1 means rotating between two afternoon shifts, two morning shifts and a midnight shift over the course of a week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wayback Machine |url=https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/AM95-19.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322043836/https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/AM95-19.pdf |archive-date=2025-03-22 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=www.faa.gov}}</ref>

===Stress===
Many countries regulate work hours to ensure that controllers are able to remain focused and effective. Research suggests, that after prolonged periods of continuous work for more than two hours without a break, performance can deteriorate rapidly, even at low traffic levels.<ref name="Hopkin1995">{{cite book |last=Hopkin |first=V. David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rJld6gXId3oC |title=Human Factors In Air Traffic Control |date=5 September 1995 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-0-7484-0357-8 |pages=366–367 |chapter=17.7 Work-rest cycles}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Costa |first1=Giovanni |title=Automation and Systems Issues in Air Traffic Control |date=1991 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |isbn=978-3-642-76558-2 |editor1-last=Wise |editor1-first=J. A. |series=NATO ASI Series |volume=F73 |location=Berlin, Germany |pages=267–280 |chapter=Shiftwork and Circadian Variations of Vigilance and Performance |doi=10.1007/978-3-642-76556-8_27 |editor2-last=Hopkin |editor2-first=V. D. |editor3-last=Smith |editor3-first=M. L.}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Folkard |first1=S. |last2=Rosen |first2=S. D. |date=1990 |title=Circadian performance rhythms: some practical and theoretical implications [and discussion] |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences |volume=327 |issue=1241 |pages=543–553 |doi=10.1098/rstb.1990.0097 |pmid=1970900 |doi-access=free}}</ref> The [[International Civil Aviation Organization]] therefore recommends breaks at least every two hours.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.icao.int/ESAF/Documents/meetings/2016/Air%20Traffic%20Services%20System%20Capacity%202016/ATNS-Guidelines%20to%20reduce%20fatigue%20in%20operational%20environment.pdf |title=Guidelines to reduce fatigue in operational environment |publisher=International Civil Aviation Organization |pages=2 |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Sylvia Noble Tesh]] documented the stresses and challenges faced by air traffic controllers in her 1984 study "The politics of stress: the case of air traffic control." published in the International journal of health services.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tesh |first1=Sylvia Noble |date=1984 |title=The politics of stress: the case of air traffic control |journal=International Journal of Health Services |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=569–587 |doi=10.2190/JH2E-F62P-WMX8-7NQF |pmid=6500785 |s2cid=37944656}}</ref> In a study which compared stress in the general population and in this kind of systems markedly showed more stress level for controllers. This variation can be explained, at least in part, by the characteristics of the job.<ref>{{Cite journal |author=Arghami Sh |author2=Nasl Seraji J |author3=Mohammad K |author4=Zamani Gh |author5=Farhangi A |author6=van Vuuren W |date=2005 |title=Mental health in high-tech system |journal=Iranian Journal of Public Health |volume=34 |issue=1 |pages=31–37}}</ref>

== Training and qualifications ==
=== Requirements ===
Air traffic controllers are subject to some of the strictest physical and mental health requirements for any profession, reflecting the high responsibility. In Europe and parts of Asia, controllers must hold a [[Medical certifications for pilots|Class 3 medical certificate]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medical Requirements |url=https://www.caas.gov.sg/personnel-licences-training/air-traffic-controller/medical-requirements |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=CAAS - CWP |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Initial medical certification for air traffic controllers ATCOs {{!}} Civil Aviation Authority |url=https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/airspace/air-traffic-management-and-air-navigational-services/licences/medical-requirements/initial-medical-certification-for-air-traffic-controllers-atcos/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=caa.co.uk}}</ref><ref name="o4552">{{cite web |title=Licensing and medical certification of air traffic controllers |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/downloads/897/en |access-date=9 Feb 2025}}</ref> which involves evaluations of vision, hearing, physical and mental health. While in the United States there is no required certificate, candidates undergo similar assessments by the FAA; for example, air traffic controllers are required to pass a [[Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory]] (MMPI) before being allowed to work in the profession.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medical |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/foa_html/chap2_section_8.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203164038/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/foa_html/chap2_section_8.html |archive-date=2025-02-03 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=faa.gov |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Air Traffic Controller Qualifications {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/air-traffic-controller-qualifications |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206161401/https://www.faa.gov/air-traffic-controller-qualifications |archive-date=2025-02-06 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=faa.gov |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="z222">{{cite web |title=Screening Air Traffic Control Specialists with the MMPI-2: Two New Scales to increase Predictive Utility |url=https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/202103.pdf |access-date=9 Feb 2025}}</ref>

Certain health conditions such as [[diabetes]], [[epilepsy]], [[heart disease]], and many psychiatric disorders (e.g., [[clinical depression]], [[ADHD]], [[bipolar disorder]], [[personality disorders]], a history of [[drug abuse]], etc.)<ref name="d154">{{cite web |title=Skyguide MEDICAL INFORMATION |url=https://api.skyguide.ch/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/medical-information_EN.pdf |access-date=9 Feb 2025}}</ref> may lead to automatic disqualification or require explicit testing and waivers signed by the overseeing medical authority, demonstrating that the disorder does not impact the individuals' ability to do the job. Other conditions such as [[hypertension|hypertension (high blood pressure)]], while not automatically disqualifying, are taken seriously and must be monitored by certified doctors.<ref name="o136">{{cite web |title=Medical requirements for air traffic controllers |url=https://luftfartstilsynet.no/globalassets/dokumenter/flymedisin/medical-requirements-for-air-traffic-controllers.pdf#page=6 |access-date=9 Feb 2025}}</ref> Controllers must take precautions to remain healthy. Additionally controllers must report all medications they are taking, even [[over-the-counter drugs]] to the responsible medical authority.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whall |first=Dan |date=2016-03-01 |title=Fit-for-Duty and Restricted Medications |url=https://www.natca.org/2016/03/01/fit-for-duty-and-restricted-medications/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=NATCA |language=en-US}}</ref> In the US numerous drugs approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration|U.S. Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) are either banned or require an air traffic controller to apply for a Special Consideration Medical Certificate and undergo continuous monitoring of the underlying medical condition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Does the FAA have a list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that pilots can and cannot take while flying? {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/faq/does-faa-have-list-prescription-and-over-counter-drugs-pilots-can-and-cannot-take-while-flying |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202235524/https://www.faa.gov/faq/does-faa-have-list-prescription-and-over-counter-drugs-pilots-can-and-cannot-take-while-flying |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=faa.gov |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally excellent verbal communication skills are required, as controllers must be able to clearly communicate and listen to pilots’ requests, even under high-stress conditions.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":10" /> All of these rigorous standards ensure that air traffic controllers  perform their duties safely and effectively.<ref name=":7">{{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=2025-02-07 |website=International Training Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Education===
In the United States trainee controllers begin work in their twenties and retire in their fifties almost universally. This is due to an FAA requirement that trainees begin their training at the academy no later than their 31st birthday, and face mandatory retirement at the last day of the month they turn 56.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=5 USC 8335: Mandatory separation |url=https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section8335&num=0&edition=prelim |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=uscode.house.gov}}</ref> At the discretion of the [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Secretary of Transportation]], the retirement age can be extended to 61.<ref name=":9" /> However, already experienced controllers, such as retired military air traffic controllers may qualify for appointment before 35 years of age.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What are the age requirements for individuals with at least 52 weeks of previous air traffic control (ATC) experience? |work=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] |url=https://www.faa.gov/faq/what-are-age-requirements-individuals-least-52-weeks-previous-air-traffic-control-atc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202092233/https://www.faa.gov/faq/what-are-age-requirements-individuals-least-52-weeks-previous-air-traffic-control-atc |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2025-02-09 |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Experienced Air Traffic Controllers |work=Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields/aviation_careers/experienced_controllers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202081944/https://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields/aviation_careers/experienced_controllers |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2025-02-09 |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> These controllers also may work longer than age 56 in order to be able to receive their pension.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=5 USC 8336: Immediate retirement |url=https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section8336&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU1LXNlY3Rpb244MzM1%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=uscode.house.gov}}</ref> While other countries  have different regulations, a similar concept is used in many countries, such as a maximal age to start training of 24 in Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The job of an air traffic controller. {{!}} DFS Karriereportal |url=https://www.dfs.de/dfs_karriereportal_2016/en/Becoming%20an%20air%20traffic%20controller/ |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=www.dfs.de |language=en}}</ref>

Civilian Air Traffic Controllers' licensing is standardized by international agreement through the [[ICAO]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vision and Mission to 2025 |url=https://www.icao.int/about-icao/Council/Pages/vision-and-mission.aspx |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=icao.int}}</ref> Many countries have Air Traffic Control schools, which are often operated by the provider of air traffic services in that country or sometimes privately. These institutions provide training to individuals without any prior air traffic control experience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=marklloydbinar |title=Advanced ATC Homepage |url=https://advancedatc.com/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Advanced ATC |language=en-US}}</ref> At the completion of academic training, the graduating student will be granted an Air Traffic Control license, which will include one or more Ratings.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-08 |title=Easy Access Rules for Air Traffic Controllers' Licensing and Certification {{!}} EASA |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/online-publications/easy-access-rules-air-traffic-controllers?page=5 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=easa.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> These are sub-qualifications denoting the air traffic control discipline or disciplines in which the person has been trained. The ICAO defines five such ratings:<ref name=":5" />

* Area (procedural)
* Area Radar
* Approach (procedural)
* Approach Radar
* Aerodrome

In the United States, controllers may train in several similar specialties:

* Tower
* Ground-Controlled Approach (GCA)
* Terminal Radar Control
* En route Control (both radar and non-radar)

This phase of training takes about 3–5 months.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: Step-by-Step Guide - JobTestPrep |url=https://www.jobtestprep.com/becoming-an-air-traffic-controller |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=jobtestprep.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Whenever an air traffic controller is posted to a new unit or starts work on a new sector within a particular unit, they must undergo a period of training regarding the procedures peculiar to that particular unit and/or sector. The majority of this training is done in a live position controlling real aircraft and is referred to as On the Job Training (OJT).<ref name="b026">{{cite web | title=The On-the-job Training Instructor (OJTI) |website=SKYbrary Aviation Safety |date=29 Dec 2022 |url=https://skybrary.aero/articles/job-training-instructor-ojti |access-date=9 Feb 2025}}</ref> In this phase trainees are always with a fully qualified and trained mentor or an On the Job Training Instructor (OJTI), who will also be 'plugged into' the position to give guidance and is ready to immediately take over should it become necessary.<ref name="b026" /> The length of this phase of training usually varies between one and three years, depending on the complexity of the sector.<ref name=":6" /> Only once a person has passed all training stages they will be allowed to control a position alone.

==See also==
*[[Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (1968)#August 1981 strike|Air traffic controllers' strike of 1981]] (United States)
*[[Aviation safety]]
*[[Flight planning]]
*[[The Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers]]
*[[National Air Traffic Controllers Association]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

* [http://www.atca.org Air Traffic Control Association]
* [http://www.flyingmag.com/careers/unique-aviation-career-air-traffic-controller Unique Aviation Career as an Air Traffic Controller] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428111352/https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/unique-aviation-career-air-traffic-controller/ |date=2021-04-28 }}, by James Wynbrandt, [[Flying (magazine)]]
* [https://www.tsatestprep.com/atsa-practice-test/ ATSA Test]
* [https://aerogon.aero/ Air Traffic Control management]
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Air traffic controller}}
[[Category:Air traffic control|Controller]]
[[Category:Combat support occupations]]
[[Category:Occupations in aviation]]
[[Category:Aviation licenses and certifications]]