Why You Should Never Become An Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic control… The words alone might conjure up images of harried, headset-wearing individuals hunkered down in darkened rooms, intensely staring at radar screens. Or not.
Understanding the Role of an Air Traffic Controller
Before we start dissecting the challenges, let’s first grasp what an air traffic controller actually does. They’re essentially the guardians of the sky, directing the flow of aircraft in and out of the airport. Their role is to ensure each flight starts and concludes without a hitch.
These controllers are the ones providing pilots with taxiing and takeoff instructions, sending them crucial weather updates, and juggling the movements of multiple aircraft to prevent mid-air collisions.
Air traffic controllers work from various points – control towers, approach control facilities, or route centers. Their work is the backbone that keeps the air traffic system running seamlessly and securely.
They’re the unseen heroes of the skies, tasked with ensuring that our air travels are safe and smooth. Their work is undeniably critical to the airline industry, and the allure of this profession might be enticing to some, given its competitive salaries, solid job security, and the sheer thrill of navigating the bustling aerial highways.
But while it might seem like an adrenaline-filled, dynamic job, the array of responsibilities and potential hurdles could make it a less enticing career than what it initially appears to be. Let’s explore some of those hurdles below.
12 reasons why you shouldn’t become an air traffic controller
1. Constant high stress
Probably the most apparent reason is the high-stress nature of the job. Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safety of thousands of passengers daily. Any slight error could result in a catastrophe.
In fact, studies found that air traffic controllers experience chronic job stress and burnout due to the high level of responsibility and the demanding work environment.
2. Unusual working hours
Airports never sleep and neither does the job of an air traffic controller. Controllers don’t have the privilege of a typical 9-5 job. Their work hours can often include graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays.
While the FAA mandates certain rest periods to ensure controllers are not fatigued, these unusual work hours can disrupt natural sleep patterns and throw off your body’s internal clock, often leading to sleep disorders.
Moreover, these irregular schedules can play havoc with your social and family life, making it difficult to maintain a normal routine.
3. Rigorous training and high failure rate
The path to becoming an air traffic controller is far from easy. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) training program is notoriously rigorous and has a high failure rate.
Trainees must master complex navigation systems, learn countless regulations, and pass stringent exams. Even after securing the job, continuous learning and testing is a mainstay of this profession.
4. No room for error
In many jobs, mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth. In air traffic control, errors can lead to loss of lives and catastrophic accidents. One wrong decision, one momentary lapse in attention, and the consequences can be grave.
If you’re a Breaking Bad fan, you may recall a tragic incident that occurred towards the end of the second season. An air traffic controller, distraught over his daughter’s death, becomes distracted at work and a catastrophic collision occurs as a result. While this is a fictional example, it underscores the harsh reality of what could happen if an air traffic controller makes a critical error.
In the real world, incidents such as the Überlingen mid-air collision in 2002, where a controller’s mistake led to the death of 71 people, are sobering reminders of the high stakes involved in this profession.
The margin for error is practically nonexistent, adding a significant layer of pressure to this role.
5. Strict health and age requirements
The FAA has stringent health and age requirements for air traffic controllers. You need to be under 31 when you apply, have 20/20 vision (corrective lenses are allowed), and be free from any medical conditions that might affect your job performance. These conditions can limit many people from even considering the profession.
6. Emotional toll
Apart from the physical stress, the emotional toll of being an air traffic controller can be significant. Controllers regularly deal with life-or-death situations and the resulting psychological stress can lead to serious mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
7. Risk of automation
Advances in technology pose a significant threat to the future job security of air traffic controllers. Automated systems, driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning, are increasingly taking over tasks once done by humans.
While we haven’t reached a stage where air traffic control is fully automated, it’s a possibility that can’t be discounted.
8. Work-life balance is hard to achieve
Given the irregular hours, high stress, and constant need for vigilance, maintaining a healthy work-life balance as an air traffic controller can be a herculean task. Family time, leisure activities, and personal pursuits often take a backseat, which can lead to resentment, burnout, and other personal issues.
I mean, who wants to be married to someone who’s constantly wrestling with job stress, barely has time for weekend picnics, or misses out on kids’ soccer games because they’re stuck at the airport control tower?
The demanding nature of this job often results in social commitments and personal time getting sidelined. Even when they’re off-duty, air traffic controllers might find themselves unable to fully disconnect from their job responsibilities.
9. Evolving technology and the need for continuous learning
Air traffic control systems are constantly evolving. New technologies are regularly introduced to enhance safety and efficiency in managing air traffic.
While these advances can be exciting, they also require controllers to constantly update their knowledge and skills. This continuous learning and adaptation can add an additional layer of pressure to an already intense job.
10. Lack of geographical flexibility
Once you’re assigned to an air traffic control center, it’s not always easy to transfer to a different location. Many controllers are tied to their assigned locations for a considerable period.
This lack of geographical flexibility can be restrictive, especially for those who may want to move due to family needs, personal preferences, or other reasons.
11. Limited career progression
While there are managerial roles in air traffic control, the number of positions is limited. The majority of controllers remain in operational roles throughout their careers, leading to a potential lack of career progression.
If you’re someone who aspires to advance or seek greater variety in their job roles, this probably isn’t the profession for you.
12. Early mandatory retirement
Air traffic controllers are required to retire at an early age compared to many other professions. In the U.S., mandatory retirement age for controllers is 56.
Yeah, this might be appealing for some, but for others, it might feel like a premature end to their working life, especially if they haven’t adequately planned for retirement.
Final word
Look, as far as careers go, becoming an air traffic controller is undoubtedly a choice that comes with its own set of unique challenges and rewards. The thrill of managing the skies, the decent pay, and the vital role they play in ensuring safety in air travel – these are significant pluses.
But on the flip side, the high stress, the demands on your time, the potential health implications, and the relentless need for precision all contribute to a profession that’s not for the faint of heart.
The reality is, it’s not just about the thrill of controlling the airspace or the satisfaction of guiding pilots safely to their destinations. It’s also about the late-night shifts, the mental strain, the emotional toll, the intense training, and the constant pressure of having people’s lives in your hands.
This job requires an iron nerve, a laser-sharp focus, and a resilience that can weather the stormiest skies. It’s about being able to make split-second decisions, keeping cool under extreme pressure, and living with the knowledge that a single error could have catastrophic consequences.
If, having read all of this, you still believe you’re cut out for the challenge, then by all means, step boldly into the world of air traffic control. Don’t let me stop you.
