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Image of career: Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controller

Overview

Air traffic controllers maintain safe distances between aircraft by providing pilots with information and clearances during take-off, landing, and mid-flight operations.

Description

  • Analyse flight data to ensure efficient performance and management of aircraft movements.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop contingency plans.
  • Propose necessary system changes and technological upgrades for optimal flight control operations.
  • Review flight documents and reports to ensure validity and accuracy.
  • Communicate with pilots and provide directions during take-off, landing and mid-flight operations for safe navigation.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need at least a Diploma or Degree in any discipline to get started in this specialised aviation role.
  • A background in Engineering, Science, or Mathematics is preferred and would give you an advantage in technical calculations and problem-solving.

Salary

$3,800 – 5,500

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Air traffic controllers may handle up to 20 aircraft simultaneously, almost like playing "3D chess" to keep thousands of passengers safe. Intense mental focus is required during high-traffic periods.

What to expect

You will need to be calm under pressure whilst responding decisively to continually changing situations and critical flight operations.

Soft
skills

Resilience

Able to remain calm and accurate under pressure, especially during emergency situations.

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to communicate well with pilots, co-workers, and other relevant parties.

Problem-Solving

Able to quickly suggest solutions for unexpected situations or conflicts.

Listening Skills

Able to quickly and accurately interpret and respond to vital communication without error.

Numerical Skills

Ability to quickly and accurately calculate distances, times, and speeds to ensure safe separation between aircraft.

Flight Performance Data Calculation

Skilled in making informed decisions for flight path adjustments based on performance calculations and analysis.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

Pilots depend on verbal instructions during operations, so controllers must convey brief coherent information. Clear pronunciation and reliable speech give pilots confidence as miscommunication may endanger lives.

Yes. Potential controllers must pass medical tests without high blood pressure history or colour blindness. Due to job stress, applicants may undergo aptitude and psychological tests.

They use radar screens to track aircraft positions, voice communication systems to talk to pilots, and automated systems for traffic planning and monitoring.

They check all documents before flights and cross-reference information with radar data and databases.

A major challenge is potential fatigue due to long hours and demanding work which requires continuous focus and quick decision-making under pressure.