Gate 41Air traffic controller
Meet Ruth Kowalski, an illustrative character. Keeps aircraft safely separated and moving, from the gate to the destination, giving clearances for taxi, takeoff, climbs, turns and landing.
Before the flight
Takes a handover briefing on weather, runway status and traffic.
During the flight
Talks to pilots on radio, watches radar and the airfield and hands aircraft to the next controller on a new frequency.
After the flight
Hands over to the next controller with a full briefing.
Works closely with
Works with airport operations, other ATC units, pilots and the airline.
Good to know
- Different controllers handle ground, tower, approach and en-route sectors.
- Controllers take regular breaks to stay sharp.
Related questions
- Why does the plane tilt in turns?
- What are those bangs and roars when we land?
- What happens inside the control tower?
- Who runs an airport?
- Why does a tug push the aircraft backward?
- Why does taxiing take so long?
- Talking to air traffic control
An illustrative composite character. Roles, titles and procedures differ between airlines, airports and countries.