The International Day of the Air Traffic Controller

The International Day of the Air Traffic Controller not only marks the anniversary of IFATCA (International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations was founded in october 20, 1961): it also celebrates the men and women who 24/7 help make air travel the safest possible mode of transport.

On any given day, thousands of flights are guided safely through the skies. Whether they are carrying passengers or cargo, flight crews are responsible for their load, and when they fly they rely entirely on the professionalism of air traffic controllers, the systems they use and all the people behind the scenes.
The air traffic control profession is one that requires highly specialized knowledge, skills and abilities. Air traffic controllers must work rapidly and efficiently to coordinate the succinct movement of air traffic while ensuring its safe separation and maintaining total concentration. They must understand complex situations and make quick decisions while managing multiple flights at a time.
Air traffic controllers have an incredible amount of responsibility and the profession is subject to some of the strictest physical and mental medical requirements, making it one that is consistently regarded around the world as one of the most challenging.