Air Traffic Control

[Calum0812]

Hey everyone,
I'm doing a presentation as part of a Speaking & Listening exam in school and I've chosen to do mine on Air Traffic Control.
I'm interested to hear what people would like to know about Air Traffic Management and the Air Traffic Controllers.

For those who don't know, ATCOs are the people who sit in these towers (or in large rooms) and give instructions to pilots flying all types of planes.


I won't say any more because I want to see what people want to know and therefore don't know!
Serious replies would be appreciated! Even if your question has been mentioned, please reply with it because the more times it gets mentioned, the more I should focus on it!

Thanks!

Not a huge amount of rep power but I'll +rep everyone anyway
Oh and when I've got a fair number of answers / have completed the presentation I'll answer everyone's questions as best as I can or research it to find the answer!

[:odey:]

- How much training they have to go through before they're allowed to be an ATC
- How they deal with unsuspecting weather or other emergencies etc

[Alkaz]

What happens on days when there have been massive delays and all the planes are waiting to take off. How do they restructure the flight plan to accommodate all the planes. Do they try to get some out on time and delay others further.. always wanted to know :[

[lemons]

nothing


well payed

Edited by e5 (Forum Super Moderator) - Please don't post pointlessly!

[Samantha]

How long are shifts usually and does it work the same as if you're tired (or you can't focus your full attention on the job), do they have to take a break?
Are there a lot of staff working at the same time to ensure all flights are landed safely, i.e. does each staff member focus on one plane until that flights compete or a number of them?
How do you actually qualify to be an ATCO? What qualifications do you need and training?
From what age and to what age can you be a ATCO?

[Derrener]

What training

yh this

[LiquidLuck.]

How many years of training? Which uni diploma is required for it? What's the salary?
And finally the question that Samantha asked: ''Are there a lot of staff working at the same time to ensure all flights are landed safely, i.e. does each staff member focus on one plane until that flights compete or a number of them?''

Also, finally, but the most important question of them all. Can you explain to me how this can happen? :

[Matthew]

what are they paid

[GommeInc]

What happens when an accident happens or what happens if there is a national emergency? A bit dark, but it seems like it could be interesting. If a plane crashes what do they do, what procedures they follow etc.

[Martin]

What changes have there been in recent years in how air traffic control management works? Like how have the systems used improved and how has this impacted on safety and reliability etc, or are there still old systems in place?

Is it easy for pilots to mis-understand instructions given by the controllers, and has there ever been any cases where an error in communication has led to an accident?

Do the controllers sometimes have a bit of banter with the pilots or is it kept strictly to instructions etc?