Celebrating International Day of the Air Traffic Controller

For International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, we are celebrating all the amazing work that our air traffic controllers do to keep the skies safe! We have over 1,700 controllers, providing aerodrome, terminal, and area control services in the UK and Hong Kong. Today they are sharing their stories and experiences in a career like no other.

Kate, ATC Watch Manager Manchester

It was the excitement and variety of being a controller that initially grabbed my attention and 18 years on, I still love my job. It’s challenging from first validation on unit to more recently being involved in the leadership team at Manchester, with decision-making and airport expansion to juggle. But the best part is the sunrise and sunsets, and stunning views from the VCR – it makes the alarm clock going off more bearable!

I’m part of an incredible team who take the daily challenges in their stride and always deliver, and there’s no better feeling than leaving the building with a sense of satisfaction on how you contributed that day.

Matt, ATCO on Green Watch, Prestwick Centre

I kind of slid into air traffic entirely by accident. I spent a decade travelling round the world, doing a million different jobs after university and then I saw an advert online asking if I was looking for “…a fast and dynamic environment… part of a team… no experience necessary…”

The initial training at the college and on unit was super tough, with constant pressure and examinations but, nearly 18 years later life as a controller has been a great accidental life choice. Busy and buzzing days at work, and time off around the core shifts to continue travelling the earth – life is good!

Michelle, Controller and Group Supervisor in Area Control

I got into air traffic control by chance nearly 25 years ago and never looked back! I’ve been valid as a controller for 19 years now and every day there is a different challenge.

The best thing for me is that I’ve enjoyed a really varied career across the business, from being involved in technical and airspace projects, to training roles and working overseas. I love that there are so many opportunities after your initial training.

Rory, Heathrow Controller

I’ve been in ATC for over 28 years now. I started on Course 97 where I gained my Aerodrome rating in 1996.

I’ve been at Heathrow Tower since May 2000 and a lot of things have changed since then, new tower, new terminals, more flights, new tech. As ATCOs we tend to be problem solvers so overcoming changes and challenges is part of the interesting and exciting side of the job. Being able to walk away at the end of a shift without taking work home with you is great, and there’s something different about every day.

The sense of professional pride and achievement when a difficult day has been completed outweighs any negatives. There have been too many highlights and memorable shifts to list, but the people I work alongside are an ever-present reminder of what a great job this is.

Amanda, Terminal Control controller

I love what I do and it’s the flight crews that always make me smile. One of the crews found out my name about 19 years ago, that then became multiple crews, then it spiralled! Since then, I get a ‘Hello Amanda’ most days! Being on the same frequencies makes us easy to recognise. The trust and teamwork are like nothing else I’ve known.

We are there for each other when everything is going according to plan and even more so when it isn’t. when everything is going according to plan and even more so when it isn’t. Situations change rapidly and we adapt with it. Weather avoidance is always challenging. The coordination and work that goes on behind the scenes is incredible. That’s the side that nobody ever sees or hears.

When traffic needs to deviate, we make it work safely and as efficiently as possible. It’s very rewarding when you unplug knowing you’ve found a solution to a situation you weren’t expecting. That’s air traffic control!

Chris, Hong Kong controller and ATC Manager

I’ve been in air traffic control for 28 years, and more recently at Hong Kong for the last 5 and a half years.

What you realise moving overseas is wherever you are in the world, Air Traffic Controllers care deeply about their job in providing the best service they can to the travelling public. No two days are exactly the same, and the challenge is to deliver consistently high performance over a long period of time.

Interested in a career in Air Traffic Control? Register you interest to be notified when applications reopen: https://www.nats.aero/careers/operations/trainee-air-traffic-controllers/