Who are air traffic controllers? An indispensable force in aviation

🕗 4 minutes | June 21, 2024 | Text Mateusz Łapuć

The profession of an air traffic controller is highly demanding, stressful, and carries immense responsibility. These professionals ensure the safety and smooth movement of aircraft daily, yet many people are unaware of the critical role they play. In this article, we will introduce you to this challenging and unique profession, one that only a small percentage of the population has the aptitude for. You will learn about the recruitment and training process for controllers, the nature of their shifts, and the different areas they work in. Ready? Let’s get started!

Air traffic controllers are the unseen professionals who ensure passenger safety and efficient flight execution. In Poland, only about 600 people perform this job, making it one of the most demanding and responsible professions. Air traffic controllers manage aircraft safety in the air and on the ground, provide assistance and guidance to pilots, and coordinate air operations effectively.

The history of air traffic control (ATC) began with procedural methods, where aircraft followed designated routes and reported passing specific points via radio. However, this method was prone to errors—incorrect navigation calculations could lead to misjudged aircraft positions and miscommunication.

A breakthrough in ATC came with the introduction of primary radar systems, which allowed controllers to detect aircraft positions by bouncing radio waves off their fuselages. The next major innovation was the adoption of Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), which, combined with aircraft transponders, provided controllers with more precise information, including altitude and aircraft identity.

Today, ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) represents the latest technology in air traffic control. This satellite-based navigation system enables aircraft to automatically report their exact positions with high accuracy. Not only does this benefit air traffic controllers, but it also enhances situational awareness for other aircraft, further improving safety.

In Poland, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) is responsible for recruiting and training air traffic controllers. According to PAŻP, its scope extends beyond air traffic control to include:

• Providing flight information services
• Offering alerting services
• Managing airspace occupancy

These functions play a crucial role in ensuring aviation safety and the smooth coordination of aircraft movement over Polish airspace.

Contrary to popular belief, air traffic control is not a single job but a collection of specialized roles. Controllers are assigned specific tasks based on their designated areas of responsibility.

General duties of air traffic controllers include:

• Providing ATC services to aircraft operating in controlled airspace.
• Monitoring and managing the flow of air traffic to maintain efficiency.
• Ensuring aircraft separation both in the air and on the ground.
• Communicating clearances and guidance to flight crews.

Becoming an air traffic controller involves a rigorous selection and training process. Candidates must pass tests assessing spatial awareness, analytical thinking, and psychological resilience. Additional evaluations include stress tolerance, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities.

The ATC Training Process

✔ 6 months of theoretical instruction.
✔ 6 months of simulator-based training.
✔ 1 year of on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

Training requires full commitment and multiple exams at various stages. The final state exam grants candidates their ATC licence, allowing them to work at Warsaw’s air traffic control centre or one of Poland’s regional airports.

By now, you understand the recruitment and training process for air traffic controllers. But what does a typical shift look like?

Controllers are assigned specific air traffic control sectors and work in cooperation with multiple units. Their work schedules differ from most professions: shifts are irregular, with an average 8-hour workday.

Work structure:

• Two-hour operational shifts are followed by mandatory one-hour breaks.
• Breaks include access to recreation facilities, such as a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, rest lounges, and entertainment rooms (ping pong, foosball, gaming consoles).
• These breaks help controllers refresh their minds and maintain maximum concentration during their next shift.

Pros:

• Attractive salary
• Stable employment
• Direct impact on passenger safety
• Prestigious role with access to cutting-edge technology

Cons:

• Irregular work hours (including night and weekend shifts)
• High-stress environment
• Significant responsibility
• Strict psychophysical requirements

To qualify for ATC training, candidates must possess specific personality traits and professional skills:

• High-stress resistance
• Ability to work under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Strong sense of responsibility
• Clear and precise communication
• Excellent concentration and multitasking skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team

Poland’s Flight Information Region (FIR Warsaw) covers both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. In controlled airspace, aircraft receive ATC services, while uncontrolled airspace is monitored by the Flight Information Service (FIS).

Air Traffic Control Units:

• Area Control Center (ACC) – manages en-route air traffic.
• Terminal Control Area (TMA) – oversees aircraft arrivals and departures.
• Control Tower (TWR) – monitors airport traffic, including takeoffs and landings.

Meanwhile, the Flight Information Service (FIS) assists private and recreational aviation by providing weather updates and air traffic alerts.