Every body has a special day. Like birthdays, anniversaries etc. Every organization has one.Like the Red Cross Day, Indian Air Force Day and so on and so forth. As Air Traffic Controllers we also have a special Day. The International Air Traffic Controllers Day on the 20^th of October.It is on this day that the Air Traffic Controllers all over the world celebrate the unique, responsible and challenging profession  they are in, the profession of AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER.

The profession of the Air Traffic Controller is really an unique one .One of the most challenging and responsible professions dedicated to the safety of precious human lives traveling in huge and big or small and stylish aircraft , criss-crossing our skies, day and night , every day .

He is that person who is in constant communication with pilots and his job is to prevent collisions between different aircraft through his balanced instructions to the pilots and ensuring an organized and expeditious flow of air traffic.

The volume and complexity of today’s air traffic requires skillful control by highly trained Air Traffic Controllers .The Controller works under an enormous amount of pressure . His USP includes -

1. a cool ,mathematical mind

2. the  ability to visualize a three dimensional picture from two dimensional information

3. the ability to work under constant pressure

4. a strong sense of responsibility

5. a manner that inspires confidence and calmness when speaking to the pilots even though he may not feel confident at all .

There are about 1150 Controllers in India today but we need an additional 1000 new Controllers between 2006 and 2015 to keep up with the increasing number of flights and growth of new airports that are expected to be commissioned .The Roy Paul Committee on Air Traffic Management and Navigation has already advised the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry in this direction .

The automation of Air Traffic Control Systems are underway today to allow better control of more Air Traffic. The choice of what to automate should be guided by the need to compensate for human vulnerabilities and exploit human strength. Also, the development of the automated tools should proceed with the active involvement of both users and careful experimental designing. The introduction of these tools should be done gradually with adequate attention to the users requirements and training.

The International Body of Air Traffic Controllers- the IFATCA

(the International federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations ) and all Air Traffic Controllers Associations associated and affiliated to IFATCA  like the Air Traffic Controllers Guild, India ,celebrate 20^th October as the International Air Traffic Controllers Day. It was on this day the IFATCA was formed way back in the 1961 in Amsterdam, Netherlands .It was on this day one of our great spirit of Air Traffic Controller was born .The person, the soul who first mooted the idea of celebrating this day. This day is celebrated to promote and uphold a high standard of professional knowledge and efficiency among Air Traffic Controllers and gain inside view into this unique profession.

Let us hold a toast to these AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS, the CHAMPIONS OF SAFETY IN THE SKIES .Let us affirm our assistance to protect and safeguard the interests of safe, orderly and expeditious Air Traffic Control .Let us affirm our faith in each other and the responsibility vested in us as Air Traffic Controllers to take India to the BEST Air Traffic Control of the TOMORROW.

Aryama Sanyal