air-traffic-controller/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — air traffic controller

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 53-2021.00 (Air Traffic Controllers).

Task statements

• [Core] Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
• [Core] Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
• [Core] Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
• [Core] Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
• [Core] Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
• [Core] Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
• [Core] Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
• [Core] Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
• [Core] Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
• [Core] Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
• [Core] Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
• [Core] Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
• [Core] Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
• [Core] Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.
• [Core] Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.
• [Core] Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.
• [Core] Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.
• [Core] Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.
• [Core] Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.
• [Core] Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.
• [Core] Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.
• [Supplemental] Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.
• [Supplemental] Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust routes or speeds as necessary.
• Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
• Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
• Compile operational data.
• Coordinate flight control or management activities.
• Direct emergency management activities.
• Direct vehicle traffic.
• Meet with coworkers to communicate work orders or plans.
• Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
• Monitor vehicle movement or location.
• Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
• Operate communications equipment or systems.
• Plan flight operations.
• Record operational details of travel.
• Respond to transportation emergencies.
• Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
• Train transportation or material moving personnel.