• Air Traffic Control Assistant
• Air Traffic Controller
• Air Traffic Engineer
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
• Aircraft Refueller
• Airfield Operations
• Airline Pilot
• Airport Cleaner
• Aviation Security Officers
• Baggage Handler
• Cabin Crew
• Cargo Agent
• Customs and Excise Officers
• Firefighter
• Immigration Officers
• Information Desk Assistants
• Passenger Service Agents (check-in)
• Retail Sales Assistants
• Terminal Duty Manager
• Working at Airports

Air Traffic Control Assistant

The Work

The work of an Air Traffic Control Assistant is interesting and varied. As a member of the Air Traffic Department you will respond to the air traffic and administration needs of the airport.

You may be based in the control tower helping Air Traffic Controllers concentrate on their job by taking on a range of tasks and responsibilities.

One minute you may speaking directly to pilots doing intercom radio checks, or being the main contact for controlling vehicles on the ground, the next you could be arranging for the safe passage of the bird scarer across a runway.

The work of an Air Traffic Control Assistant is vital. It includes the distribution of flight plan information. This is where an Air Traffic Control Assistant contacts other Air Traffic Controllers on the flight path and as the aircraft approaches its destination informing them of projected flight speeds, height etc.

You will also be filing flight plans for local operators and co-ordinate air traffic departure flow information. Close co-operation with other airport sections and support of Air Traffic Controllers in their tasks is central to the role.

You will be the first point of contact for telephone enquiries so you will need to recognise the most appropriate steps and action to take in any situation.

Twice an hour Air Traffic Control Assistants will be expected to make meteorological checks including measuring temperature, cloud cover etc. You will be fully trained to perform all these tasks.

Skills and Personal Attributes

To work as an Air Traffic Control Assistant you will need:

• Excellent IT skills
• To be a clear communicator
• To be well organised
• To remain calm under pressure
• Drive and determination
• To be a team player
• To interpret and analyse data/information

Entry Requirements

Employer entry requirements vary.

• Typical requirements would be 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English.
• Previous experience may be an advantage but is not always necessary.
• Employers may have specific requirements such as a current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical.
• You will need to pass a full and strict criminal record check.

Training

Training depends on the demands and needs of the employer.

National Air Traffic Services offers a full information breakdown of potential training areas in Air Traffic Control. Visit their website www.nats.co.uk for further information or phone potential employers direct.

Opportunities

• Most Air Traffic Control Assistants apply by sending a CV direct to the airport at which they want to work.
• Most Air Traffic Control Assistants are recruited locally.
• Air Traffic Control Assistants may be recruited internally at the airport if they have relevant experience in airport operations.
• If you prove to be productive as an Air Traffic Control Assistant there can be sometimes opportunities to take an aptitude test for Air Traffic Control Officer training.

<< back