When the Wright Brothers first invented the revolutionary Aircraft or Flying Machine as they affectionately called it, nobody would have imagined that it would grow into such a big phenomenon. Today almost over 2 million people use a plane ride daily. This has resulted in a large number of airports and with the air traffic only poised to grow further, the level of management of air traffic is going to be a big mayhem and as such there is need for skilled personal for timely management of Air Traffic Control.

Why many prefer not to choose?

Today there is lack of personal needed for this job especially in India. Many people do not take up the job of an Air Traffic Controller because it involves a huge risk factor. The job is always related to handling the lives of millions of passengers. There is no scope for any sort of errors or miscalculations. They must be accurate to the point. There is no second chance and every mistake will adversely affect your career and that too in a severe and profound manner.

There are other problems that haunt those who take up a career in Air Traffic Control such as health problems pertaining to ulcers which are a result of frequent gulping of Coffee and Tea in order to stay vigil and focused. This is one job where you cannot take an occasional nap while in duty. Besides the frequent look ups of bright displays and small texts embedded in route maps and radar readings results in a lot of strain imposed on your eyes and very soon you might need the help of an Ophthalmologist.

Reward for those who dare

But the prospects of the job may be unknown to many. The job does pay you handsomely for the risk factors you will have to undertake during your work. The task is gruesome, there is no doubt about that but it does not require you to be behind the wheels of the control station each and every second of your day.

The job profile is scheduled in a timely fashion with more than enough breaks and comfortable shifts that rotate periodically. The authorities realize the need for constant rest needed because of the stress sand pressure involved in executing the job effectively.

The physically and mentally challenging roles that the job requires are a main reason for the lack of skilled workers available for taking up the job. But there are many who would like to take up such a high risk job because they are enthusiastic about it and are willing to take the responsibility of the lives of millions. Such people will also be rewarded handsomely for their efforts.

What do you need to know?

So what does it take for you to become one of the few who pursue such a job? A good technical background and training is a must for such a job because of the high level of preciseness and quality demanded by the job.

There are options for students to pursue one among the many degree, certification and diploma courses in this section of aviation but it is highly recommended to opt for a full time degree course and then enroll for some certification programme and finally search for a job. The rather high profile job requires maximum expertise and knowledge and the level of gaining knowledge does not end with the completion of the course. The job itself is an ongoing training course which will in fact never end. No matter how much experience you gain still it has to go on.

The basic eligibility for a candidate to pursue any of the above mentioned courses is a plus two pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as core subjects. A sound academic background at school level is preferred by many of the over 100 institutes in India that offer courses in Aviation and Air Traffic Control.

It is always best to study in a well reputed institute rather than at a local centre that offers you a certification even without training you properly and conducting a comprehensive and rigorous examination pattern for the award of the certificate. The best way to find whether an institute in India is fit for providing a job assured course in Air Traffic Control is to find out whether the institution has a stamp or accreditation of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Job Prospect

The job prospects in the Air Traffic Control sector are numerous. Students who complete such courses from good institutes with a good academic background are directly absorbed by various Central Government departments engaged in Aviation research and technology like ISRO, Defense Ministry, Aeronautical Laboratories, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Airport Authority of India and many other departments. Jobs in such premier positions entitle you to receive attractive starting salaries with basic pay packages starting close to Rs 25000. In all after completion of around 2 or 3 years in service you can take home a total salary of over Rs. 75 000 monthly.

If you land up in an Air Traffic Control wing in any airport then also the remuneration package is not in any way disappointing.

To begin with a Junior Executive Trainee (JET) is handed a basic pay of around Rs 16400 and with other perks and allowances included he will be awarded with up to Rs 30000 from the first month of service. Upon completing 3 years in service as a JET, the employee is eligible for the post of Assistant Manager ATC which will offer a basic pay starting at Rs 25000. A Senior Manager will be entitled to receive Rs 29000 as basic pay. In all you can take home up to Rs 65000 per month after just 3 years in service. Besides there is lifelong insurance cover and medical facility for you and your family at virtually no cost. You can avail easy and very low interest housing and other loans.

Final Verdict

So now you have understood the hardships and benefits of the job as an Air Traffic Controller. The demands of the job are high but it gives you a lot of benefits and the job profile is among the highest available in today’s Social structure. The immense prospects of this continuously growing industry is a key reason for you to adopt it if you think you have what it takes to be responsible for the safety of 1000’s of commuters daily.