Air traffic controller — Reuben Mitchell

Reuben studied chemistry with an integrated Masters at the University of Oxford. Find out what it takes to control the safety of the skies as an air traffic controller

How did you get your job in air traffic control?

I applied online where there are initial online assessments in cognitive and decision-making skills. On passing these tests, I was invited to an assessment day at NATS for further testing where I completed radar based situational judgement tests and logic puzzles. I was then invited for a formal interview at NATS.

How relevant is your degree to your job?

The core information in my degree, and many other degrees, is not really relevant to air traffic control. However, the general hard work, commitment and relationships you make with your peers and mentors throughout your lengthy degree course will help incredibly towards your journey as a trainee.

What are your main work activities as a radar controller?

A typical working day involves an initial briefing on the latest weather, procedural changes and anything else likely to impact my day as an air traffic controller. I then sit in-front of a radar screen and instruct aircraft, over a radio, to climb, descend and turn in-order to get the aircraft to its cruising altitude and destination as expeditiously and as safely as possible. I am only responsible for a small sector of airspace within the UK and will liaise with other controllers to ensure aircraft are transferred safely between one sector and another.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy making my own decisions, and the fast-paced nature of air traffic is great for me as I like to problem solve. Despite controlling the same aircraft every day, I am always presented with new permutations of conflicting air traffic and always get the opportunity to resolve a conflict in a unique way.

It's a well-paid job and you will never take work home with you. You can only do your job while you're sitting in front of the radar so your home time will always be your free time, and you won't have to stress about deadlines or emails, because you won't have any.

What are the challenging parts of working as an air traffic controller?

Training is generally considered the most stressful. You must continually maintain a certain standard of competence and always prove that you can keep the skies safe in the busiest of situations. There is a lot of book work and written/verbal examinations to ensure your competence is up to scratch throughout your training.

Any words of advice for someone who wants to get into this job?

Don't be afraid of failure, air traffic control isn't easy and isn't a skill that comes naturally to most people. If you're accepting of help and willing to learn, you will do well.

Be confident in yourself and believe in your ability to make good judgement calls backed up with good logic and reasoning. You can practice relevant games on the NATS website.

Be friendly and get involved with the group. For your first few years you'll spend every day one-to-one with a mentor guiding you through your training. If you can get on well with these people, they will be much more inclined to help you and push you along.

As well as radar controllers, there are tower controllers and approach controllers. Both tower and approach controllers are likely to be based in a tower at an airfield tower. Tower controllers deal with the take-off, landing and manoeuvring of aircraft on taxiways. Approach controllers use a radar to sequence and stream aircraft within a close proximity of an airfield to prepare for landing. Generally controllers work shifts and on completion of your training you may be asked to work anywhere within the UK.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of an air traffic controller.
• Gain an insight into the transport and logistics sector.