Air traffic controller

Air traffic controller

An air traffic controller working in a tower at the Zurich International Airport, Switzerland.
Occupation
Occupation type	Profession
Activity sectors	Civil aviation or Military
Description
Competencies	good short-term memory, situational awareness, communication and multitasking skills, quick and assertive decision making abilities, ability to perform under stress or pressure, flexibility and general situational aversives.[1]
Education required	Certification by local aviation authority (e.g. FAA) under ICAO rules and regulations.
Fields of employment	Public and private sectors, both military and civil. Varies by country.

Air traffic controllers (ATCs) are people responsible for the coordination of traffic in their assigned airspace. Typically stationed in air traffic control centers or control towers, they monitor the position, speed, and altitude of aircraft and communicate with the pilots via radio. In addition, controllers ensure safe distances between the different aircraft.^[2]

The profession is considered to be highly demanding and stressful due to the need for constant reorganization of cognitive processes, flexible adjustments and continuous decision-making, also often while under time pressure. Factors such as unfavorable work schedules, high responsibility and the reliability of equipment further influence workload and stress levels.^[3] Despite these challenges, the role offers competitive salaries and strong job security, which are often cited as key benefits.^[2]