How to Be Air Traffic Controller Pilot - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 28, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When a pilot communicates with an air traffic controller, it can help ensure a safe and smooth flight. The air traffic controller is responsible for providing pilots with information about other aircraft in the vicinity, as well as weather, visibility and other pertinent data. By working together, the pilot and the air traffic controller can ensure that all aircraft travel safely and efficiently in the airspace.

In addition, the air traffic controller can provide guidance to the pilot in navigating to their destination, avoiding turbulence, and responding to potential hazards such as bad weather or engine failure. This communication between the pilot and the air traffic controller is essential to ensure that the flight is conducted safely and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Air traffic controllers must have a bachelor's degree in aviation science, aeronautical engineering, or a related field.
Complete an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program. The FAA requires that applicants complete AT-CTI training as part of their air traffic control certification.
Obtain FAA Certification. After completing the AT-CTI program, applicants must pass the FAAs Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) examination and be certified by the FAA.
Receive On-the-Job Training. Newly certified air traffic controllers must complete on-the-job training and pass the FAAs Initial Operating Experience (IOE) evaluation.
Continue Professional Development. To remain certified, air traffic controllers must complete ongoing professional development training and pass recertification tests every five years.

Becoming an ideal and competent air traffic controller requires a combination of education, skill, experience, and ongoing training. With a solid educational foundation, an air traffic controller must possess the ability to stay focused and think quickly in stressful situations. They must possess strong communication skills and be able to assess the situation quickly and accurately.

Furthermore, experience is essential for an air traffic controller to excel. As an air traffic controller gains experience in the field, they can become more adept at assessing and responding to potential risks. Finally, ongoing training is essential for an air traffic controller to maintain their proficiency and stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and protocols.

By combining education, skill, experience, and ongoing training, an air traffic controller can become both ideal and competent.

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Job Description

Monitor and direct aircraft on the ground and in the air by using radar, computers, and visual references.
Ensure the safety of aircrafts by providing clear instructions to pilots.
Maintain communication with pilots, other air traffic controllers, and air traffic control centers.
Advise pilots on weather conditions, altitude changes, and other flight information.
Coordinate take off and landing times for aircrafts.
Monitor emergency situations and take appropriate action.
Report safety violations and aircraft malfunctions.
Prepare flight plans and maintain flight logs.
Pilot aircraft according to established procedures and regulations.
Monitor aircraft performance and ensure safety during flight.
Check aircraft systems before, during, and after flights.
Comprehend and comply with air traffic control instructions.
Maintain communication with air traffic control personnel and other aircrafts.
Monitor flight path and adjust as necessary to avoid turbulence or other hazardous conditions.
File flight plans with air traffic control prior to departure.
Complete post-flight reports and submit information to maintenance and flight crew personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards
Demonstrated problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and in a high-pressure environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent organization and multitasking skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to give and receive clear instructions
Ability to read, understand, and interpret aviation charts and maps
Ability to make quick decisions with limited information
Computer and technical proficiency

An effective air traffic controller is one who has excellent communication skills and the ability to think quickly and make decisions in split-second situations. Good communication is essential for controllers to safely direct aircraft and avoid mid-air collisions. They must be able to give clear and concise directions to pilots and understand the needs of each pilot.

controllers must be able to monitor multiple aircraft at the same time and maintain awareness of their position in relation to other planes. A strong knowledge of air traffic regulations and procedures is also necessary to ensure the safety of both pilots and passengers. Pilots, on the other hand, need to be highly skilled in navigation, aircraft systems, and aerodynamics.

They must have an in-depth understanding of how their aircraft operates in order to safely fly it through all weather conditions. The combination of these skills allows air traffic controllers and pilots to work together to ensure that planes reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in air traffic control?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while on the job.
How do you prioritize tasks to ensure safety and efficiency?
What challenges have you faced while working as an air traffic controller?
How do you stay up to date with the latest changes in aviation regulations?
Can you explain how weather conditions affect air traffic control?
What do you understand about the communications systems used by air traffic controllers?
How do you handle a situation when an aircraft is not responding to instructions?
What strategies do you use to manage stress while on the job?
How do you stay focused while dealing with high volume air traffic?

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Planning Software. A software program used to plan a flight, including selecting the route, filing a flight plan and calculating the estimated time of arrival (e. g. SkyDemon).
Air Traffic Control System. A system of computers and radar that allows air traffic controllers to monitor and direct aircraft (e. g. Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System).
Air Traffic Flow Management System. A system used to manage the flow of air traffic, including the scheduling of flights and the distribution of traffic information (e. g. Controller Pilot Data Link Communications).
Flight Tracking System. A system used to track the location and status of flights in real time (e. g. FlightAware).
Navigation Equipment. Equipment used to assist pilots in navigating, including GPS receivers and instrument approach systems (e. g. Garmin GNS 430W).
Flight Simulator. A computer program or device used to simulate the experience of flying an aircraft (e. g. Microsoft Flight Simulator).

Professional Organizations to Know

Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)
National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
International Federation of Air Traffic Controller Associations (IFATCA)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Women in Aviation International (WAI)

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Common Important Terms

Airspace. The three dimensional portion of the atmosphere that is regulated by a country and is used for air navigation.
Aeronautical Chart. A map of airspace that shows the location of airports, navigational aids, restricted airspace and other aviation related information.
Flight Plan. A document containing detailed information about a flight including route, departure and arrival times, aircraft type and intended altitude.
Flight Level. The altitude of an aircraft expressed in terms of pressure altitude, usually in hundreds of feet.
Radio Navigation. The use of ground-based radio transmitters to aid aircraft navigation.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Regulations governing the operation of aircraft when flying solely by reference to instruments.
Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Regulations that govern the operation of aircraft when flying by visual reference to the ground and other objects.
Air Traffic Control (ATC). The service provided by air traffic controllers, which involves the coordination of aircraft in the airspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required for an Air Traffic Controller Pilot?

Air Traffic Controller Pilots must have a valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate. They must also have appropriate experience, including at least 1,500 hours of total flight time, 500 hours of multi-engine flight time, and 100 hours of night flight time.

How does an Air Traffic Controller Pilot ensure safety in the air?

Air Traffic Controller Pilots ensure safety in the air by constantly monitoring aircraft in the airspace, communicating with pilots and other controllers, adhering to established rules and regulations, and reporting any dangerous or unusual situations to the proper authorities.

What type of aircraft do Air Traffic Controller Pilots usually control?

Air Traffic Controller Pilots usually control commercial aircraft, including airliners, business jets, military aircraft, and general aviation aircraft.

What duties do Air Traffic Controller Pilots typically perform?

Air Traffic Controller Pilots typically perform duties such as communication with pilots and other controllers, monitoring aircraft in the airspace, providing instructions for aircraft to follow, and maintaining records of all flights.

What technologies do Air Traffic Controller Pilots typically use?

Air Traffic Controller Pilots typically use technologies such as radar systems, navigation systems, air traffic flow systems, and communication systems.