Air Traffic Controller

What this career is about

What you will study

Typical learning areas across these routes; the institution’s syllabus defines the exact content.

• Airspace organisation and air traffic rules
• Radiotelephony and standard phraseology
• Aerodrome, approach and area-control principles
• Navigation, weather and aircraft performance
• Separation procedures and traffic coordination
• Simulation, human factors and emergency handling

Professional requirements and qualifications

• KCAA licence issue requires age 21 or above and a current Class 3 medical certificate.

• Complete approved training and the required supervised control experience; KCAA’s published guidance specifies at least three months of satisfactory OJT.

• Meet English proficiency and the assessment requirements for at least one controller rating. Unit validation and continuing competence also matter.

Career opportunities

• Aerodrome control after the relevant rating
• Approach or area control with further ratings
• Air traffic services coordination
• Instruction, supervision or safety work after experience

Additional ratings and operational competence can support progression into supervision, instruction, procedure development or air traffic management.

These are possible pathways, not promises of employment. Employers assess qualifications, competence and experience.