Air traffic controllers

£67,264

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

45 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

5.11%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 3511

Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers navigate and pilot aircraft, prepare flight plans, authorise flight departures and arrivals, maintain radio, radar and/or visual contact with aircraft to ensure the safe movement of air traffic, check, regulate, adjust and test engines and other equipment prior to take-off and give flying lessons.

Common tasks include:

studies flight plan and makes any necessary adjustments
directs or undertakes checks on engines, instruments, control panels, cargo distribution, fuel supplies, aircraft's stability, response to controls and overall performance
directs or undertakes the operation of controls to fly airplanes and helicopters, complying with air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures
monitors fuel consumption, air pressure, engine performance and other indicators during flight and advises pilot of any factors that affect the navigation or performance of the aircraft
maintains radio contact and discusses weather conditions with air traffic controllers
directs the movement of aircraft and maintains radio and/or radar or visual contact en-route to its destination, in and out of controlled airspace or into holding areas ready for landing
gives landing Instructions to pilot and monitors descent
plans flight route, calculate fuel consumption and optimum flying height and obtains information on weather and other conditions, such as cargo distribution
handles emergencies, unscheduled traffic and other unanticipated incidents
accompanies pupil on training flights and demonstrates flying techniques

Qualifications

Entrants with GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, a BTEC/ SQA award or equivalent qualification can apply for an airline sponsorship. Private residential training as a pilot is available to candidates with GCSEs/S grades or appropriate BTEC/SQA or other certificates/diplomas or to holders of Private Pilots Licences who have 700 hours flying experience. Training lasts up to 15 months and consists of courses of study and flying instruction. Airlines may have additional age and height requirements. Air traffic controllers training lasts 74 weeks including study and practical experience. Entrants must be 18 to hold a Student Licence and 21 for a full air traffic controller licence awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority. Normal colour vision is required for pilots and air traffic controllers and candidates also undergo a medical examination.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

Regional employment: Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

Future employment: Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

Top 12 industries: Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

Alternative & related job titles: Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

Airline pilot Air traffic controller First officer (airlines) Flight engineer Flight planner Flying instructor Helicopter pilot

Equality focus: Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.