Air Traffic Controller: Job Description

In order to be able to operate safely and punctually, air transport needs air navigation services to be of ever higher standard. These services must cover air transport, aviation information, flight communications, flight weather reporting and aviation rescue. The services are provided for airlines, military air traffic and general aviation and they are used by domestic and foreign customers alike.

The air traffic controller works as part of a chain of air transport service providers. These air transport services cover air traffic control, air traffic advice, flight information and emergency procedures. The purpose of these services is to expedite air transport and maintain aviation discipline. Customers are given advice and information designed to promote air safety and efficiency. The aim is to prevent collisions between aircraft and between aircraft and obstacles in the traffic area. In addition, information is provided to the relevant officials concerning aircraft in need of search and rescue services and to assist them in the manner required by the authorities. Air traffic controllers provide the above mentioned services at air traffic control units at airports situated around Finland.

The size of the air traffic control units varies from a 1-2 person work station to installations with several work stations and dozens of staff. The primary task of the air traffic controller at the larger airports is to provide air traffic services. At the smaller air traffic controlled airports the air traffic controller is also responsible for other air navigation tasks. The air traffic controller’s tools increasingly include various kinds of information technology equipment. The network of cooperation includes other airports, regional air traffic controllers, airforce wings and airlines. The work must conform to international agreements and the national aviation regulations based on them. The work takes place in shifts because air navigation services are available at all hours of the day and night. The air traffic controller must be able simultaneously to control several aircraft taking off and landing as well as making observations of the work environment. This requires rapid and independent coordination, observation and decision-making abilities. Those working in the air traffic control sector must be able to adapt to a busy work pace.

In order to be able to provide air traffic services, air traffic controllers require a licence which conforms to international aviation regulations, which in Finland is granted by the aviation authorities. In order to retain his or her licence the air traffic controller must be employed in air traffic control duties for a specific amount of time during a specific period and must pass annual job-performance and medical inspections.

There are about 300 air traffic controllers working in Finland. About 20 or 30 new air traffic controllers are trained each year. After basic training the air traffic controller has the opportunity to specialize, for example as tower controller, approach controller, area controller, precision appraoch radar controller, terminal area radar controller or area radar controller. He or she may also apply to become an instructor, supervisor or for other special duties.