Come fly with us - International Air Traffic Controllers’ Day

Hollywood has long portrayed air traffic control (ATC) as a frazzled occupation, fraught with imminent disaster and immense levels of stress. The reality is quite different and with International Air Traffic Controllers’ Day being celebrated on Monday 20 October, what better opportunity to dispel the myths about a career that lets you live life above the skyline.

“The stress factor is a bit of an urban myth. The reality is that being an air traffic controller is a pretty amazing job. Yes it will get your heart rate going at times and it’s pretty challenging, but air traffic controllers are selected because of their ability to think strategically, to be level headed and to make rapid and accurate decisions” says Christchurch ATC, Simon Bevin.

Airways NZ manages all domestic and international air traffic operating within NZ’s 37 million square kilometres of airspace. In controlled airspace, there is always an air traffic controller (ATC) in contact with pilots, making sure they are safe, informing them of weather conditions, telling them where other planes are and providing relevant air and ground-based information to enable them to arrive safely at their destination. ATCs control around 1 million aircraft movements every year in and around NZ.

“Although there are rules and procedures that must be followed in order to achieve our primary goals of safety and efficiency, creativity is inherent in the profession. Each day is different to the next – we get all sorts thrown into the mix – big jets, small planes, adverse weather conditions, planes diverted from other airports - it all makes for a diverse and dynamic environment” says Nelson ATC, Angela Sutton.

Training to become an ATC generally takes around a year. It is split into two components - the first being six months at the Airways training centre in Christchurch, followed by 4-9 months on the job training at one of NZ’s regional airports. Successful trainees are guaranteed a job on completion of the NZQA-recognised course and there are abundant opportunities for career progression, both in NZ and overseas.

ATC is an internationally-recognised qualification, which is becoming increasingly sought after due to a global demand for ATCs. In 2007, more travelers than ever before - over 2.2 billion people - flew on the world's scheduled air carriers. It is predicted that by 2025, this number will increase to 9 billion passengers.

Ends

For further information and contacts at your local Air Traffic Control Tower:

Nikki Waghorn
Corporate Communications Manager
03 357 2842
021 438 243

Notes for journalists:

In 2008, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) rated Airways New Zealand the top air navigation services provider in the world for outstanding performance in customer satisfaction, cost efficiency and continuous improvement.

The air transportation industry is essential for future economic growth and development, trade and commerce, cultural exchange and understanding among peoples and nations. Today it provides 32 million direct, indirect, and induced jobs worldwide. Aircraft carry approximately 40% of the value of all world trade.

The NZ Airline Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) is the professional association and trade union for NZ pilots and air traffic controllers. Founded in 1945, NZALPA’s policies are directed towards the pursuit of excellence in professional and technical standards. Their members reflect the diverse nature of NZ’s aviation industry - comprising airline pilots, general aviation/commercial pilots, flight instructors and air traffic controllers.  

The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) is the worldwide organization representing more than 50,000 air traffic controllers in 133 countries. Amongst its goals are the promotion of safety, efficiency and regularity in international air navigation and the protection and safeguarding of the interests of the air traffic control profession.

On October 20 air traffic controllers around the world will observe the International Day of the Controller. IFATCA was formed in The Netherlands on October 20, 1962. It has since designated the anniversary of its establishment as “Day of the Controller” in recognition of the air traffic control profession and its considerable contribution to the development of the air transport industry.

To become an Air Traffic Controller (ATC):
To be an air traffic controller you need to:

• Be decisive and goal focused
• Be able to handle a theory-based course and then apply it in a practical situation
• Be a team player
• Have great communication skills
• Be able to mentally picture objects moving in three dimensions
• Be aged 20 when you start training

For more information, visit:  www.airways.co.nz/atccareers

 

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