Air Traffic Control Officer

Nick Elliott works as an air traffic control officer at Robin Hood airport in South Yorkshire. When on shift, communication and concentration are key skills.

How would you outline your role?

It is my job to provide an efficient and safe flow of air traffic. Factors such as the weather conditions and air traffic patterns are never the same which makes the job interesting and motivating.

What are your main responsibilities?

I self-brief at the start of each shift. This involves reading any new instructions, checking the weather forecast and receiving a detailed handover from the preceding officer before finally taking over control. All other opening checks are then completed; this includes checking that all radios, navigation aids and information displays are working correctly. Scheduled aircraft usually depart early morning and light, business-jet and training aircraft operate throughout the day. Depending on the nature of the day, specifically the weather and the number of aircraft movements on the airfield, the number of radio and telephone calls can vary for the controller and assistant.

What hours do you work?

Each month I work about 144 hours, which equals an average of 48 hours per ten-day cycle. My standard cycle pattern consists of six shifts; two early, two late and two night shifts, then I have one sleep day after my last night shift, and three full days off.

What is your working environment like?

I work inside the visual control room within the control tower. The control room has excellent facilities and the equipment is new and user friendly.

Who do you work with?

I am accompanied by an air traffic control assistant. Teamwork is very important and a professional yet friendly working relationship with the assistant is paramount. I co-ordinate with other airport departments and air traffic control units, such as Manchester control centre and Doncaster radar, throughout the day.

What skills or qualities do you need?

We use radio telephony and telephone technology and you need to be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner. You need to be motivated and disciplined to self-brief and to develop knowledge of ever changing air traffic procedures. You must have good listening skills, be vigilant and have good spatial awareness. You have to be able to adapt to your workload, to forward plan and be flexible. Finally, you need the ability to be decisive and to remain calm and flexible under a heavy traffic workload.

Why did you choose this type of work?

Whilst at university I considered a career in the RAF but I decided to consider my options further before pursuing this idea. I started a temporary job at the airport and the job of air traffic assistant was advertised. I progressed to my current role through this job and would advise anyone wanting to become an air traffic control officer to consider a similar route.

What training have you done?

I passed a six-month aerodrome controller course and then received on-the-job training for three months. As Doncaster is a new airport its operating procedures have changed constantly therefore training is a continuous process for all the controllers.

Do you use any special tools or equipment?

The majority of equipment in the tower is specialised and unique to our industry. A VHF/UHF radio frequency is used to communicate with aircraft and vehicles. I use a telephone voice switch to co-ordinate with radar and to communicate with other agencies.

What do you like about your job?

The job is very varied which makes it enjoyable. I am still relatively inexperienced in the profession of air traffic control and the fact that I have so much more to learn keeps me motivated and provides job satisfaction. The only downside to my job is not having regular weekends off, but when I do get that Friday feeling it's that little bit extra special!

What are the main challenges?

The main challenges are prioritising my actions and keeping phraseology clear and concise. Maintaining an adaptable controlling style in pressured situations is important.

How do you see your future?

I would like to be working in air traffic control in the future, but with additional air traffic control qualifications. There is a lot of potential for Doncaster airport to grow and it would be nice to grow with the airport.

Nick's route

• A levels.
• Three-year degree in industrial design and technology.
• Started temporary job at airport and applied for air traffic assistant role.
• Progressed to current role as air traffic control officer.

Nick's tips

• A degree is an advantage but not essential to become an air traffic control officer. You do need high academic skills to pass the aptitude tests, which include numeracy and spatial awareness assessments. To start training you must also be a minimum of 18 years old.
• Maintain a healthy body both mentally and physically. To hold a valid air traffic control officer licence, you will need a class 1 medical certificate which is reassessed every two years under the age of 40.