| While airline pilots get all of the credit in the public and | | | | equipment, the air traffic controller allows them an |
| on television for keeping airplanes flying safely, the air | | | | opportunity to check traffic snags that may come up |
| traffic controller plays just as important a role. Air | | | | in the future. |
| traffic controllers work in a strenuous environment, | | | | The air traffic controller position is incredibly stressful |
| working around dozens of other controllers while they | | | | but has its rewards financially and intrinsically. |
| focus on their monitor. They are responsible for guiding | | | | Controllers are members of airline professional unions, |
| airplane traffic every single minute of their professional | | | | which mean that they often receive annual |
| lives, watching radar monitors to determine the | | | | performance bonuses and cost of living adjustments |
| distance between the hundreds of planes in flight at | | | | to keep them properly compensated. As well, air |
| the same time. The average day of an air traffic | | | | traffic controllers get several weeks of paid vacation |
| controller in the United Kingdom can be difficult but | | | | annually in recognition of the stresses of the position. |
| rewarding because it is important to the safety of | | | | Finally, air traffic controllers take a lot of pride in their |
| millions of travellers. | | | | work, which involves keeping hundreds of planes daily |
| Air traffic controllers typically work eight to ten hour | | | | from getting into accidents or getting lost. |
| shifts with many breaks in order to prevent wear on | | | | The question is how an air traffic controller aspirant |
| their eyes, back, and hands. The old days of the round | | | | finds a job. The industry is highly competitive and |
| radar monitor have given way to a more high tech | | | | features high barriers to entry due to licensing |
| approach to air traffic controlling, with larger monitors | | | | requirements and high standards. Air traffic controller |
| and ergonomic station designs that help keep air traffic | | | | aspirants should first look at sites for industry |
| controllers on the job. Air traffic controllers stay in | | | | publications, which feature the best connections to |
| constant contact with pilots from major airlines and | | | | airline unions and airports. As well, online job sites can |
| charters alike. These controllers keep airplanes aware | | | | be a good general resource for controller jobs. Finally, |
| of other planes in the area, their trajectory, and where | | | | air traffic controllers need to consider working with a |
| they need to head in relation to their current position. | | | | recruiting agency to find exclusive jobs without the |
| While airplanes feature sophisticated navigation | | | | competition that makes the job hunt nerve racking. |