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Is being an air traffic controller a good fit for you?

Directs aircraft on the ground and in the air near an airport, so they take off, land and travel safely.

What the work involves

  • Tells pilots about nearby planes and hazards like weather, wind and poor visibility.
  • Monitors aircraft in a set area using radar, computers or by sight.
  • Monitors, directs and sequences aircraft in the air and on the ground to cut delays and keep safe.
  • Alerts airport emergency services when there is an emergency or an aircraft has trouble.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be organising, hands-on and persuading. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onSome. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousLow. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingSome. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingSome. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Independence. Trusted to decide how the work gets done.
  • Security. Steady work in a well-run organisation.

How much training it needs

Apprenticeships and training. Usually vocational training or an apprenticeship. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if an air traffic controller is one of yours.

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