Types of controllers
Area Controllers/Terminal Controllers
Most people assume that ATCOs are all based in airport control towers, but landing and taking off are just a small part of an aircraft's flight. Although some controllers work in airport towers, many more work at our area control centres. These Area Controllers control the en route stage of the flight, using radar and the latest technology to track the aircraft's exact position.
Controllers at Swanwick and Prestwick handle domestic traffic and aircraft flying through UK airspace. Our Oceanic Controllers at Prestwick also handle aircraft flying across the Atlantic.
Our controllers at Swanwick are also responsible for handling traffic within the London Terminal Control Area.
To find out if you have the skills to be an Area or Terminal Controller, why not play our game?
Approach Controllers/Aerodrome Controllers
Approach Controllers take over contact with the pilots as they approach airports. They guide and sequence aircraft into the most efficient order for landing. Then Aerodrome Controllers take over to guide the aircraft through landing. At the very busy airports, Aerodrome Controllers are split into air control and ground control, the latter of which guide the aircraft to its parking stand once it has landed.
To find out if you have the skills to be an Approach or Aerodrome Controller, why not play our game?
NATS maintains the safe, efficient and orderly passage of all aircraft through UK controlled airspace - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our controllers are world-renowned for their professionalism and, as an organisation, we lead the world, both in terms of our expertise and technology.
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