A job that makes a difference

 

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The most visible part of aviation in New Zealand are the aircraft flying around our skies. For the most part, these aircraft are controlled by Air Traffic Controllers (ATC's) working in towers around the country and the radar centre (Christchurch), although airspace in NZ is made up of both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

In order to be eligible to train to become an Air Traffic Controller you will 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
  
  
• Able to mentally picture objects moving in three dimensions
  
  
• Have excellent communication skills
  
  
• Have obtained a minimum of Level 2 NCEA pass (12 credits pass in Maths at Level 1 and 8 credits in English at Level 2) and 42 other credits at Level 3 or equivalent. (Previously this would have been a pass in School Certificate Maths (C or higher or 50% or higher), a pass Six Form Certificate English (Level 5 or lower) and/or have a NZ PPL or CPL.
  
  
• Be able to meet the requirements for issue of a Civil Aviation Authority class three medical. Learn More >>
  
  
• Have New Zealand Residency.
  
  
• Be aged 20 (or older) when you start training (you can apply now and we'll book you onto the first course you are eligible for). Not 20 yet? Click here to see what the options are.

Click to view tests and games that may help

Click here to apply to Train to become an Air Traffic Controller

Civil Aviation class three medical information

The Civil Aviation Authority regulates civil aviation in New Zealand as a result they publish rules that we as Air Traffic Controllers need to follow.

Obtaining and maintaining a Class Three Medical Certificate is one of your main responsibilities in becoming and keeping your Air Traffic Control License.

In order to assist you in finding out what the medical involves here are some links to their web site.

• CAA Medical home page
  
  
• How to get a Medical Certificate
  
  
• Medical Standards and Certification - refer page 28 for Class 3 information
  
  
• Medical Information Sheets
  • Colour Vision
  • Cardiovascular Risk
  • Pregnancy
  • Laser Eye Surgery
    
    
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Medical

Note: We have supplied links to a selected few of the medical pages on the CAA web site - so we advise reviewing their web site in detail should you have any specific questions regarding what the medical involves.

 

Trainee ATC Quick Links

 

 

Tales From the Tower

Alice Palmer

Alice Palmer is living proof that complaining about your job can change your life! Alice was working at an entry-level government job in Wellington.
More >>

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Karen Bradley

Karen Bradley has traded apertures for aircraft with the help of Airways New Zealand.
More >>

 

More Air Traffic Controller Testimonials >>

 

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