Air Traffic Controller Essay

Introduction

Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is a service provided to ensure a safe, orderly and swift flow of air traffic. Safety is principally a matter of prevention of a collision from occurring between an aircraft with another aircraft, obstructions and the ground; assisting aircraft in avoiding dangerous weather; ensuring that aircraft do not operate in airspace that operations have been prohibited; and assisting aircraft in distress. Furthermore, orderly and swift flow will ensure the smooth movement of aircraft operations along the routes that have been selected by the operator.

Air traffic controllers are the person who have been trained, selected and they are the one will be in charge in keeping the air traffic safe and efficient. Besides

The job scopes for Air Traffic Controller are as follow: o keeping radio and/or radar contact with aircraft; o directing the movement of aircraft in flight or at an airport; o instructing aircraft to climb or descend and allocating final cruising level; o providing information to aircraft on weather conditions; o making sure the minimum distances are maintained between airplanes; o handling unexpected events, emergencies and unscheduled traffic.

There are three types of Air Traffic Controllers:

• Area controllers – they are based at the control centres. They direct airplanes in flight and give them the most efficient route to their destinations. By using radar and computer technology, they can locate the exact position of each aircraft. They also use radar to ensure that traffic separated in the air.

• Approach controllers – they are based at the control centres. They take control of communication from area controllers as the aircraft approaches the airport. They are responsible for deciding when and where each airplane should land and guiding them in the most efficient