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Carreras de tráfico aéreo

Los controladores de tráfico aéreo desempeñan un papel fundamental en la industria de la aviación. Proporcionan información y asesoramiento a los pilotos para ayudarles a navegar con seguridad. Puedes ser controlador de tráfico aéreo en aviación general, militar o comercial.

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Cómo convertirse en controlador de tráfico aéreo en el Reino Unido

Puedes ingresar a esta carrera mediante:

  • Cursos universitarios

  • Cursos universitarios

  • Aprendizajes

  • Trabajar para alcanzar este rol desde dentro de la industria a través de la experiencia laboral.

  • Presentar solicitud directamente a una aerolínea o empresa de ingeniería.

Puedes acceder a este puesto a través de:

  • Aprendizajes

  • Programas de formación para aprendices

Aprendizajes

Hay algunas opciones de aprendizajes que podrías realizar para convertirte en controlador de tráfico aéreo, por ejemplo:

  • Coordinador de Operaciones de Vuelo de Aviación Nivel 3 Aprendizaje Avanzado

  • Aprendizaje Superior de Controlador de Tráfico Aéreo Nivel 5

Algunas áreas del ejército también ofrecen programas de tipo aprendizaje, ¡que definitivamente vale la pena investigar!

  • Real Fuerza Aérea

  • Marina Real

Requisitos de entrada: Generalmente necesitarás:

  • 5 GCSE de los grados 9 a 4 (A* a C), o equivalente, incluidos inglés y matemáticas, para un aprendizaje avanzado

  • 4 o 5 GCSE de los grados 9 a 4 (A* a C) y niveles A, o equivalente, para un aprendizaje de grado o superior

La ruta del 'aprendiz'

Puedes solicitar una plaza como aprendiz en los Servicios Nacionales de Tráfico Aéreo (o NATS)

Necesitarás un mínimo de 5 GCSE con calificaciones entre 9 y 4 (A* a C) o titulaciones equivalentes, incluyendo inglés y matemáticas. La formación inicial dura hasta un año y puedes continuar formándote mientras trabajas.

Requisitos para un puesto de tráfico aéreo

Necesitarás:

  • Pasar los controles de seguridad

  • Pasar un control médico

  • Tienes que ser mayor de 18 años.

Obtención de una licencia FISO

El oficial FIS (FISO) es una persona que proporciona servicio de información de vuelo (FIS) y servicio de alerta a aeronaves en espacio aéreo no controlado (clase G) o en un aeródromo no controlado.

Exámenes teóricos requeridos:

  • Navegación

  • Meteorología

  • Política de Derecho Aéreo y Licencias

  • Procedimientos AFISO

Lugar del examen: Gatwick

Duración de los exámenes: 30 minutos cada uno

Convertirse en controlador aéreo en la UE

Who issues ATC licences in Europe?

Air traffic controller licences are issued by national aviation authorities in each European country, following common European rules. These shared rules ensure that training, medical standards and licences are comparable across Europe.

 

Getting selected as an air traffic controller

To become an air traffic controller in Europe, you must pass a competitive selection process. This process is run by the air navigation service provider (ANSP) or employer you apply to and can vary slightly from country to country. Selection usually includes aptitude testing (often using the EUROCONTROL FEAST test or similar tools), English language assessment, interviews or assessment-centre exercises, and background or security checks required under national law. Passing selection allows you to start training, but does not yet make you a licensed controller.

Medical requirements

Before you can train or work as an air traffic controller, you must meet specific medical standards through an EASA Class 3 medical certificate. The Class 3 medical checks areas such as eyesight (including colour vision), hearing, cardiovascular health and psychological suitability. The certificate must be issued by an authorised aeromedical examiner or centre and renewed at regular intervals.

Education and language skills

There is no single European school or university qualification required to become an air traffic controller. Most employers require completed upper-secondary education and strong analytical and numerical skills. English language proficiency is mandatory, as training and operations are conducted in English across Europe. In some countries or units, an additional local language may also be required.

Training to become an air traffic controller

After passing selection, you begin training at an approved air traffic controller training organisation. Training normally takes place in several stages.

During training, you hold a student air traffic controller licence. Initial training covers basic ATC skills and the specific type of control service you will provide. This is followed by unit training at a specific airport or control centre under supervision. After completing initial training, you are issued an air traffic controller licence with the relevant rating. Once unit training and on-the-job training (OJT) are successfully completed, you receive a unit endorsement that allows you to work independently at that unit.Types of ATC work (ratings)

Air traffic controller licences include ratings that describe the type of service you provide. The main ratings cover aerodrome control (tower), approach control and area control. Additional endorsements define whether you work with procedural or surveillance methods and which specific unit you are qualified to work at. How long does training take? The total time from the start of training to full qualification depends on the type of control service, the complexity of the unit and individual progress. Across Europe, this commonly takes around 18 to 36 months or more. Age limits, nationality and posting European rules set a minimum age of 18 years for student air traffic controller licence applicants, but maximum age limits are set by individual employers, if at all.

You must have the legal right to work for the employer you apply to. Nationality requirements, if any, depend on the country and employer. After training, you may be assigned to a location based on operational needs, although some employers recruit directly for specific units.

Sources:

• Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340 (Part-ATCO, Part-ATCO.MED)

• EASA Easy Access Rules – Air Traffic Controllers

• EASA AMC & GM to Part-ATCO

• EUROCONTROL – FEAST (First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test)

Cómo convertirse en controlador de tráfico aéreo en Sudáfrica

What is an Air traffic Controller (ATC)?

Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of air traffic on the ground and in the air. They do this by:

  • Monitoring radar displays and flight progress

  • Managing aircraft movements in controlled airspace and at airports

  • Communicating with pilots and other controllers using standardised ICAO phraseology

  • Responding to changing weather, traffic levels, and operational demands

Who issues ATC licences in South Africa? 

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is the national aviation regulator in South Africa, responsible for issue, renewal and maintenance of personnel licensing, including Air Traffic Control (ATC). They are also responsible for ensuring safety and compliance across the aviation sector.

 

Selection and Training

To become an air traffic controller in South Africa, you must pass a competitive selection process run by the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).

Prior to application, candidates must hold a Grade 12 Certificate with subjects such as Mathematics, English and Physical Science being highly advantageous. Selection then begins with an online ATNS application, followed by a series of aptitude and psychometric assessments designed to measure spatial awareness, multitasking, problem‑solving and communication skills. Following acceptance onto the course, successful applicants then progress through several years of training which includes theory, practical simulation, and supervised on‑the‑job experience.  Once all training and assessments have been completed to the required standard, an application can then be submitted to the SACAA for an Air Traffic Control Officer Licence. 

Medical requirements 

Before you can train or work as an air traffic controller, you must meet specific medical standards through an SACAA Class 3 Medical Certificate. The Class 3 medical checks areas such as eyesight (including colour vision), hearing, cardiovascular health and psychological suitability. The certificate must be issued by a Senior Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) and renewed at regular intervals. 

Language skills 

English language proficiency is mandatory and applicants must meet ICAO English language proficiency standards. In some countries or units, an additional local language may also be required. 

Types of ATC work (ratings) 

Air traffic controller licences include ratings that describe the type of service you provide. The main ratings cover aerodrome control (tower), approach control and area control. Additional endorsements define whether you work with procedural or surveillance methods and which specific unit you are qualified to work at. 

How long does training take? 

The total time from the start of training to full qualification depends on the type of control service, the complexity of the unit and individual progress. This can take between 2-4 years.

Age limits, nationality and posting 

South African rules set a minimum age of 18 years for student air traffic controller licence applicants. You must have the legal right to work for the employer you apply to. Nationality requirements, if any, depend on the country and employer. After training, you may be assigned to a location based on operational needs. 

Cómo convertirse en controlador de tráfico aéreo en Oriente Medio

Who issues ATC licences in Middle East? In the Middle East, air traffic controller licences are issued by national civil aviation authorities in each individual country, each state is responsible for approving training, assessing competence, and issuing licences with training and medical standards set by the

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations and national requirements. Licensing standards are based on ICAO Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, but each country applies its own national regulations.

Getting selected as an air traffic controller (Middle East) To become an air traffic controller in the Middle East, you must pass a competitive selection process run at national level. This process is managed by the air navigation service provider or government aviation authority in the country where you apply, and selection requirements can vary between states.

Selection typically includes:

  • Cognitive and aptitude testing

  • English language assessment in accordance (ICAO language standards)

  • Interviews or structured assessment centre exercises

  • Medical examination

  • Security and background checks under national regulations.

  • Successful completion of the selection process allows candidates to begin air traffic control

  • training but does not yet result in the issuance of an air traffic controller licence.

Medical requirements

In the Middle East, air traffic controllers must meet specific aviation medical standards before they begin training and to maintain their license. specifically within GCC countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are adhering to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards, and the requirement is that they must hold a Class 3 aviation medical certificate issued by the international civil aviation authority.

This certificate demonstrates that the candidate meets basic health requirements for air traffic duties. Each country’s civil aviation authority requires applicants to pass an aviation medical examination before training begins.

This medical check looks at areas such as:

  • Vision (including colour perception)

  • Hearing assessment

  • Cardiovascular health

  • Neurological evaluation

  • Psychological suitability

  • General physical fitness

The medical certificate is issued by an approved aviation medical examiner or centre and must be renewed regularly to remain valid throughout training and employment. Air traffic controllers in the Middle East must meet specific aviation medical standards before they begin training and throughout their careers. Each country’s civil aviation authority sets and enforces these standards, and they are generally aligned with international safety practices as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Medical fitness ensures controllers are physically and mentally capable of performing safety-critical duties in busy environments.

 

Education and language skills (Middle East)

Applicants are generally required to have completed secondary education, with a strong background in mathematics and science preferred. English is the operational language of air traffic control, so candidates must demonstrate a high level of spoken and written English, as required by national aviation authorities. Education and language requirements are set at the national level and aligned with standards from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Additional academic qualifications may be required depending on the country or employer.Education and Language Requirements

 

Minimum requirements include:

  • Completion of secondary education

  • Strong background in mathematics and science (preferred)

  • High level of spoken and written English

  • English proficiency is mandatory because English is the operational language of international aviation.

  • In some Middle Eastern countries (such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan), a high school diploma may be sufficient for entry into training. However, exact academic requirements depend on the employing authority.

Training to become an air traffic controller in the Middle East follows a similar overall structure across countries, even though it is delivered under national systems. After passing selection, trainees complete initial theoretical training, followed by simulator-based instruction and on-the-job training at an operational unit. Training is provided by organisations approved by the national aviation authority and is aligned with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Successful completion of all training phases and examinations is required before a controller can be licensed and allowed to work independently.

Types of ATC Ratings In the Middle East, air traffic controllers are licensed with specific ratings that define the type of air traffic control service they are authorised to provide. These ratings are based on standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and applied through national regulations. Common ratings include aerodrome control (tower control at airports), approach control (managing aircraft arriving and departing within terminal airspace), and area control (en-route control of aircraft cruising between airports). Controllers are trained and licensed for one or more ratings, depending on operational needs, and ratings are usually specific to a particular unit or environment.

 

Mujeres que trabajan en el control del tráfico aéreo.
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Please download these incredible PDF documents to learn more about becoming an Air Traffic Controller in the Middle East

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