Air traffic controllers are selected and trained personnel who keep air traffic safe and efficient. They help pilots take off and land safely and make sure that airplanes are kept in a safe distance apart from one another.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for a particular section of airspace which includes frequent radio contact with pilots flying over their section, and the responsibility involves giving the pilots instructions, advice and information. The duties assigned to the controllers differ according to where they are based.

Air traffic controllers are stationed at the control tower in airports or the control centre located in Subang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

keeping  radio and/or radar contact with aircraft;
directing the movement of aircraft in flight or at an airport;
instructing aircraft to climb or descend and allocating final cruising level;
providing information to aircraft on weather conditions;
making sure the minimum distances are maintained between airplanes;
handling unexpected events, emergencies and unscheduled traffic.

There are three types of Air Traffic Controllers:

Area controllers – they are based at the control centres. They direct airplanes in flight and give them the most efficient route to their destinations. By using radar and computer technology, they can track the exact position of each aircraft. They also use radar to keep traffic separated in the air.
Approach controllers – they are based at the control centres. They take control of communication from area controllers as the aircraft approaches the airport. They are responsible for deciding when and where each airplane should land and guiding them in the most efficient order.
Aerodrome controllers – they are based at the control tower in airports. They are in charge of aircraft landing and departing as well as managing the movement of aircraft on the ground.

Air traffic control is a 24-hour operation, which includes weekends and also public holidays. The controllers work on shift hours, with one shift comprising of two working days, one resting day and one day off. The working days are divided into afternoon shift on the first day, followed by morning and night shifts on the second day. The work of Air Traffic Controllers involves manning a workstation, gathering and interpreting data using computers and radar displays as well as communicating with pilots by the use of radio equipment.

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability able to work under pressure
• Ability to make fast and decisive decisions and must be goal focused
• Ability to handle a theory-based course and then apply it in a practical situation
• Ability to visualize picture objects moving in three dimensions
• Must be a team player
• Ability to meet the requirements issued by the Civil Aviation Authority class three medical examination

Degree – Air Traffic Controller Officer
Diploma – Assistant Air Traffic Controller Officer
MCE – Assistant Air Traffic Controller

Those who are interested in applying for this job can do so as follows:

Apply through ‘Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA)’
Successful candidates from SPA will sit for the following tests before being shortlisted for an interview:

• IQ Test
• Voice Test
• English Test
• Psychology Test

After the interview, successful appointed candidates will go through the following processes:

Undergo a training course with maximum time duration of 66 weeks in the Academy of Civil Aviation Malaysia.
Attend On Job Training (OJT) in order to get live rating

The induction module covers meteorology, aircraft operations, air navigations, navigation aids, communication, aviation laws and publications. The modules cover the basics of hands-on air traffic control in aerodrome or area procedural environment. It teaches trainees how to keep aircraft separated without using radar.

The real fun begins after leaving the Academy of Civil Aviation. ‘On-the-job’ training is carried out at a regional air traffic control tower or a radar centre under the supervision of an experienced controller. At this stage, you will move from ‘student’ to ‘trainee’ and will train in the operational environment, dealing with live traffic.

Initially, you’ll have the On Job Training Instructor with you all the time. As training progresses, the instructor will gradually step back, allowing you to make your own decisions and control the traffic as if you were on your own.

When you’ve attained sufficient experience and have shown that you can deal consistently with all traffic situations and complexities, you’ll be recommended for a final proficiency assessment. On successful completion of this, you’ll be issued your Air Traffic Control License and Rating.

“Live Rating” is an international license that gives you recognition to carry out the job of air traffic control. Malaysia Air Traffic Controller license is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and is recognized by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This means you have obtained a qualification which can be used in many countries overseas.

ATCO GRED A29

Minimum Salary                                  Maximum Salary

RM 1,794.00                                          RM 5,707.00

*Annual increment RM 145.00

Starting salary of RM 1,943.57 for Diploma holder.

PROMOTION GRADE

ATCO Grade A3

Minimum Salary                                  Maximum Salary

RM 3,248.00                                         RM 7,477.00

*Annual increment RM 180.00

ATCO Grade A38

Minimum Salary                                 Maximum Salary

RM 3,754.00                                       RM 7,942.00

*Annual increment RM 195.00

ATCO Grade A40

Minimum Salary                                  Maximum Salary

RM 5,021.00                                          RM 9,007.00

*Annual increment RM 225.00

JOB DESCRIPTION

Provide Air Traffic Control Services for the safe an efficient conduct of flights within Malaysian airspace in accordance with approved regulations and procedures within the following areas of responsibility: “Aerodrome Control” for flights in the vicinity of an airport, “Aerodrome/ Approach Control (Procedural)” for flights within 30- 40 miles of an airport.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILTY

The candidates must:

1. Pass the Aptitude Tests set by Appointed Authorities
2. Pass the Medical Assessment Class Ill set by the Appointed Authorities
3. Pass all the courses set by Malaysia Aviation Academy (MAvA). The passing mark is 70 marks out of 100 marks.

PROFESSIONAL ALLOWANCE

A licenced ATCO shall receive a professional incentive allowance in addition to the salary and various government allowances that are paid on a monthly basis. To qualify as a licenced ATCO, he/she needs to pass a Medical Assessment Class Ill and an English Language Proficiency Test Level 4 or above.

 a) Incentive (Licensed) Allowance Air Traffic Control

 ATCO Grade A29                              RM 250.00

ATCO Grade A36                               RM 350.00

ATCO Grade A38                               RM 400.00

ATCO Grade A40                               RM 400.00

ATCO Grade A41                               RM 600.00

ATCO Grade A44                               RM 700.00

ATCO Grade A48                               RM 900.00

ATCO Grade A52                               RM 1000.00

ATCO Grade A54                               RM 1200.00

In addition, a licensed ATCO who performs Air Traffic Control functions and hold a current Air Traffic Control Ratings shall receive the following allowance according to the rating held.

b) Rating Allowance

Aerodrome Control                               RM 200.00

Approach Control (Procedural)            RM 350.00

Area Control (Procedural)                    RM 450.00

Area Control (Radar)                            RM 600.00

Approach Control (Radar)                    RM 750.00

There are some sites/blogs that allow you to listen to pilot-controller communication. If you’re interested, you can do a web search with “live ATC” as the criteria.