Let me have the opportunity to introduce you to the unique person at the Airport through which you travel everyday to reach to far and near destinations and home again, the person you usually do not meet face to face during your air travel. This person is the Air Traffic Controller. The silent sentinel of the skies. The person with out whom no aircraft would venture into the yonder skies.

The Profession of this person is really unique. He works under tremendous pressures. His abilities are –

 

1. A Cool, mathematical, analytical mind .

2. The ability to visualize a three dimensional picture from a two dimensional input.

3. A strong sense of responsibility.

4. The ability to work under constant pressures.

5. A manner and poise that inspires confidence and calmness when speaking to the pilots, more so during air emergencies.

 Air Traffic Control is one of the world’s youngest professions. Like many other modern professions, it has developed from the humblest beginnings in to a highly sophisticated and technology dependent occupation. After the profession of precision surgery it is one of the most challenging professions involving tremendous pressures.

 

The International Body of Air Traffic Controllers – the IFATCA (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 20th October as the International Air Traffic Controllers Day to celebrate and uphold a high standard of professional  knowledge and efficiency among Air Traffic Controllers and give the world the inside view of this unique profession.

 

With major traffic increase in the aviation sector and scarcity in adequate trained man power in the Air Traffic Management, the focus is on safety and capacity increase to sustain and contain the increase in Air Traffic. The focus of Air traffic Management is also on cooperation among all intra-aviation related wings based on healthy competition.

 

Today’s Air Traffic Management is a partner in the growing aviation sector and wishes to contribute to a more safe, reliable and affordable air transportation.

 

On the occasion of International Air Traffic Controller’s Day,  let us salute the silent Champions of the skies, the unsung heroes due to whom we can safely travel through the skies.

 

 

Aryama Sanyal