What does an Air Traffic Controller do?

Answer:
Are you curious about the duties of an air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers are part of a large air traffic control system. Did you know that almost all air traffic controllers are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?

One of a controller’s main responsibilities is to manage traffic of incoming and outgoing aircraft at airports. The FAA divides the work of an air traffic controller into three categories:

Terminal or Tower Controller

It is the job of these controllers is to manage the traffic of aircraft at the airport, and assist pilots with takeoff and landing instructions. In order to give appropriate instructions, a controller must have excellent observation skills, and rely on sources such as the National Weather Service and the Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) for information.

En Route Center Controller

An En Route air traffic controller must provide pilots on the aircraft with instruction and information on such items as air traffic clearances and flight conditions while an aircraft ins en route between airports. En Route controllers need to have excellent observations skills, the ability to use radar equipment and the ability to, in some situations, use manual procedures for tracking the progress of aircraft with the center’s airspace.

Flight Service Station Controller

These controllers are specialists who provide assistance to pilots regarding preflight, in-flight, and emergency situations. These air traffic controllers work with pilots via radio and telephone, as well as in-person. The FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command center is located in Herndon, Virginia. Controllers employed at this facility review and determine air space situations that may cause trouble, such as congested traffic areas. These air controllers are responsible for keeping congested areas to a manageable level of air traffic for controllers working at en route centers.


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