The achievement of getting sign-off is actually quite a big thing. Then you get signed off and get your ATC license. Once you get signed off from that you then get posted to a particular unit and you work at that unit under the guidance of an instructor until the instructor is happy that you could do it solo. Because we're similar personality types we all get on really well, and we joke and laugh and have a great time. We all try and catch up and go out for a beer and stuff like that. I did the training centre quite a number of years ago and I still text and talk to the guys on my course. We teach you about the weather, about navigation, what the pilot is actually thinking while he's up there, what he's feeling and going through when you can hear in his voice that he's getting bumped around or a bit nervous. We teach you how planes fly, how helicopters fly, and the difference between them. You just need to be a well-rounded person, that's got a good amount of common sense. One employer of air traffic controllersĪll air traffic controllers work for Airways New Zealand.Ī lot of people do ask me the question 'Do you have to be a rocket scientist?' 'Do you need to be super-smart at maths?' Virtual control towers are being trialled, which could mean controllers monitor air traffic from remote locations in the future.

New technology air traffic management systems, set to be introduced over the next 10 years, could result in a reduction in demand for air traffic controllers in the long term. New technology set to change how and where air traffic controllers work Trainees who complete the course and meet other requirements usually get a job. For these reasons there is high competition for any vacancies.Īccording to the Census, 465 air traffic controllers worked in New Zealand in 2018.Īirways New Zealand, the only employer of air traffic controllers, takes just 12-18 trainees into the Diploma in Air Traffic Control course each year. Entry into the course is very competitive. Most air traffic controllers stay in the role for a long time so there is low staff turnover. Vacancies for air traffic controllers are limited due to the small number of people in the role. Small number of air traffic controller roles and limited entry to training

Air traffic controller 3 english