There can be thousands of aircraft flying through the sky at any given moment, and if even two of them collided, that would spell a very bad day for a lot of people. But unlike when you’re driving down the street, you can’t clearly see the vehicles in traffic around you while in the air. That’s where the Air Traffic Controllers come in (and no, I’m not talking about the band).
What do Air Traffic Controllers do?
Air Traffic Controllers are the people in the glass towers that you see around airports, of course, but also working in radar rooms and en route centers to ensure the safety of millions of people every single day. They’re skilled professionals who observe, interpret, and communicate air travel conditions with absolutely zero margin for error. Not only do they authorize take-off and landing, but they also advise pilots on potentially hazardous weather conditions, compile and document flight information, and act as an in-air traffic light. Commercial aviation is statistically one of the safest forms of long-distance travel, and this is due in large part to the dedication and attention to detail of our Air Traffic Controllers.
A Brief History
The Air Traffic Management system as it exists now was formally launched in the mid-1960s, though development first began all the way back in the 1920s. Even NASA’s Ames Research Center has been doing research into improving Air Traffic Management for over 80 years! However, as these systems and technologies move into the modern day, knowledgeable professionals in the field are becoming more and more sought-after. It’s an incredibly necessary profession with an incredibly specialized skillset.
Conclusion
Safe commercial air travel literally would not be possible without the work of our Air Traffic Controllers. So, next time you fly, send some appreciation to the dedicated folks making sure that you stay safe in the skies!
