AAI stands for Airports Authority of India and it was established by an Act of Parliament in the year of 1995 by bringing together International Airports Authority of India (AAI) and National Airports Authority (NAA). The authority is delegated with the responsibility of creation, up-gradation, maintenance and managing of infrastructure in civil aviation not only on ground, but also in the air space in India.

Objectives of Air Traffic Services offered by AAI:

Air Traffic Services are one among the different services offered by the Airports Authority of India and these services are offered with the following objectives:

• Prevention of Collisions between aircrafts

• Expediting and maintenance of orderly flow of air traffic

• Offering advice and useful information pertaining to secured and well-organized conducting of flights

For efficiently carrying out these objectives, Junior Executives (JE) – Air Traffic Control (ATC) are appointed by Airports Authority of India by way of public notification and here are some of the details regarding this position:

Mode of Selection of Junior Executives (ATC):

Generally, Airports Authority selects candidates based on the merit secured by candidates in written test, voice test and personal interview. In addition, candidates will have to satisfy the medical fitness requirement as well.

Pattern of Written Test:

Written Test for selection of candidates to Junior Executives (ATC) position will be conducted for 100 marks divided as follows:

• 50% of questions pertaining to the engineering/Science degree of candidates

• 50% of questions on English, General Aptitude, General Intelligence and General Knowledge

In the process of selection, standard reservation is applicable of SC/ST/OBC/EXS candidates. For candidates clearing the written test, voice test will be conducted during the time of interview.

Educational qualification requirement to apply for JE (ATC) position:

To apply for the position of Junior Engineer (ATC) candidates must have completed their UG Degree in Engineering or Technology in disciplines like:

• Information Technology

• Telecommunications

• Electronics

Even candidates with Master of Science in the following subjects are eligible to apply for this position:

• Electronics

• Computer Science

• Mathematics

• Physics

Candidates must have obtained not less than 60% of equivalent marks in the qualifying examination and the degree must have been obtained from a deemed university or recognized university or from an apex institution recognized by the Indian Government.

Age requirement to apply:

Maximum age limit to apply for this position is not more than 27 years on the 1st of February of the year in which a candidate applies. Relaxation by 3 years for Other Backward Caste (OBC) candidates belonging to non-creamy layer, by 5 years for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates and by 10 years for candidates already working for AAI is applicable to the upper age limit.

Pay scale offered to Junior Engineer:

Candidates appointed for the position of Junior Engineer will be coming under the pay band of Rs.16400-3%-40500. Apart from Basic pay, candidates will be offered with the DA of 46% of basic pay, HRA and other benefits including medical, pension, social security schemes, gratuity, CPF, etc… according to the rules of AAI.

How to apply for Junior Executive Air Traffic Control Position:

Candidates meeting the eligibility requirements will have to apply online through the website of AAI at www.aai.aero and no other mode of application will be accepted. Before applying online, candidates must ensure that they have a valid e-mail ID, which should be active until the process of recruitment is completed.

Best book to refer for Junior Executive (Air Traffic Control) Selection Exam:

Candidates who wish to prepare for this examination can refer ‘Air Traffic Control Career Prep’ book written by Patrick R. Mattson.

They can also try their hand in Air Traffic Controllers’ Guild Quiz by registering in the website of the guild at http://www.atcguild.com/quizlog.asp.

Training for selected candidates:

Candidates succeeding in the process of selection will be sent for training by AAI at Civil Aviation Training Colleges located at Hyderabad and Allahabad cities. Training will be offered in two sections with each section extending to a period of six month and during this period; candidates are offered training in the following areas:

• Air Traffic Services

• Air navigation

• Search and rescue

• Technical

• Communication Procedures

• Meteorology

• Air Legislation

• Aerodromes and Ground Aids

Junior Executive – ATC can be a rewarding career for candidates getting through both the selection process and training and in this career, they can climb up through different hierarchy in Airport Authority of India.